THE SECRET LIFE
OF A SMART PHONE
Did you know that smart phones have a significant impact on the environment?
Understanding the life cycle of a smart phone can help you make environmentally j
smart choices about your phone—and what to do with it when you want a new one. j
WHAT IS YOUR SMART PHONE MADE OF?
To make smart phones, manufacturers use precious raw materials that mustI be: extracted a„<^
processed, and consume natural resources and energy that can affect our air, land, and water
as well as plants and animals.
		LCD DISPLAYS: Glass, plastic (made trom
I crude oil), and liquid crystalline
A smart phone is made up of many parts
which use these materials, such as:
CIRCUIT BOARDS: Copper, gold,
lead, silver, and palladium
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES:
Lithium metallic oxide
Packaging ^umes.

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You can reduce the amount of raw
materials mined and energy used
to produce more phones, as well as the packaging
used to transport them—and make a difference in
our environment!
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GIVE OR DONATE
Help someone in need.
•	Give your phone to a
family member or friend
•	Donate it to charity

RESELL
Make some extra money and
help someone out.
• Sell your phone using a
reputable website
Take advantage of a service
provider's buy-back program.
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RECYCLE
Drop your old phone off at an
electronics recycling location or
a take-back program. Phone parts
and materials can be used in a new
phone or product. For example:
•	Metals can be used in
automotive parts and jewelry
•	Plastics can be used in
garden furniture
•	Batteries can be used in
more batteries
TIPS FOR SAFE DONATION
Before donating or reselling your smart phone:
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TERMINATE your service
CLEAR the phone's memory of contacts,
photos, and other personal information
REMOVE your SIM card
Contact your wireless service provider for more information on
safely donating your phone. Check to see if the program you are
using is working with third-party certified recyclers.
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By donating, selling, or recycling your phone, you'll conserve
precious natural resources and energy, and help protect our planet.
v>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
www.epa.gov/recycle
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P://9o.usa.gov/fc2y

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