Like other forms of electronics recycling, cell phone recycling is “shifting from an optional good deed to something that is now expected – and becoming legislated,” says cell phone recycler ReCellular Inc.
In its company newsletter, the company cites summarizes several examples of regulatory changes and updates being made, including:
· To increase recycling participation, the Illinois legislature has recently passed Senate Bill 2313, which includes language regarding cell phone recycling and reuse. This makes Illinois the fourth state to pass legislation that requires recycling electronics including cell phones. In 2008, another 13 states either proposed cell phone recycling programs, or have enacted commissions to study and/or develop electronic scrap recycling programs.
· As more electronics are being shipped for recycling, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has established new safeguards for shipping lithium-ion batteries. In some cases, these batteries can set fire to surrounding packing materials when short-circuited. Because the new DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations focuses on commercial shipments, many recycling companies are changing their outgoing shipments. However, not many recycling firms seem to be aware that these regulations also affect the individuals and companies sending in small shipments of phones for recycling. In fact, the DOT regulations could hold companies or individuals liable for violations, with a minimum $250 fine per incident, up to $50,000 for knowingly violating DOT rules, according to ReCellular.
As part of its standard program management, all ReCellular packing labels have been updated with DOT-approved labeling, says the company.
In addition, ReCellular has been working to educate its clients on the new requirements, especially the need to ship lithium-ion batteries in their original equipment or with tape over the battery terminals to help prevent short-circuiting.
More information on ReCellular can be found at www.ReCellular.com.