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Hate your cell phone? Give it to Kathie!

Tired of cursing your cell phone? Instead of throwing it in the river (which would be very unhealthy) why not donate it to Clean North's newest recycling initiative? Here's what the environmental group's chair, Kathie Brosemer, sent us this afternoon
Cell-phone

Tired of cursing your cell phone?

Instead of throwing it in the river (which would be very unhealthy) why not donate it to Clean North's newest recycling initiative?

Here's what the environmental group's chair, Kathie Brosemer, sent us this afternoon:

**************************************************************** Clean North announces new recycling project

Today Clean North, the local environmental group, announced that it is launching a new recycling initiative.

The group will accept unwanted cell phones and toner and ink cartridges, year round, at its downtown office.

To kick off the program, Clean North volunteers will be at the Algoma Farmers' Market, at the Wellington Square Mall, on Saturday, November 22nd, from 9 to 5.

"Cell phones have only been around for a few years, so it's surprising that there are unwanted, old phones going into landfill already, but it's true," said Clean North's chair, Kathie Brosemer.

"They're small, so people don't think twice before throwing them out, but like anything electronic, they contain toxic heavy metals and shouldn't go into the dump."

Phones collected in Sault Ste. Marie will be shipped to southern Ontario, where they will be sorted and refurbished if possible.

If they work, they're distributed to people in need, through seniors centres, women's shelters, and similar organizations.

"A cell phone can provide a lot of peace of mind for someone," adds Brosemer, "and a call to 9-1-1 is free."

Phones should be dropped off along with their batteries, chargers, and manuals, if these are available. This helps with refurbishing.

Ink and toner cartridges, from computer printers, can also be refurbished and refilled in many cases.

These will be collected and shipped to another firm in Ontario.

Any of these items that can't be reused will be recycled to best practices, Clean North has been assured.

Also at the Farmers' Market, Clean North will be giving away hot water pipe insulation and instructions for wrapping pipes to save energy.

See the demonstration at the Farmers' Market, Saturday November 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 5 pm.

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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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