The Natural Resources Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill that would require cell phone retailers to accept old phones for reuse, recycling or proper disposal.
Rep. Chris Babbidge, D-Kennebunk, submitted a similar bill last session, but a committee compromise called for the Department of Environmental Protection to study the issue.
Companies participating in the “Wireless—the New Recyclable” program already collect cell phones at retail locations or provide free shipping, DEP’s website states.
Other cellular phone companies accept old phones through charity fundraisers and re-furbish them for sale or use them for parts.
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