Anyone who owns a cell phone, is eventually going to upgrade to a newer model, but what should you do with your old phone? Your options include recycling, reselling, and donating. Before you hang up your old phone for the last time, check out the following tips on how to dispose of it safely and properly.



Cell phones and more complex mobile devices, like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Blackberrys and iPhones, are like portable computers. They are often sources of personal and sensitive information, including addresses and phone numbers, passwords, account numbers, email, voicemail, phone logs, even medical and prescription information. You wouldn't dispose of your old laptop computer without wiping the hard drive clean; mobile devices deserve the same level of attention before you dispose of them.

Removing Personal and Sensitive Information Permanently

Encrypting passwords and other sensitive data stored on your cell phone, and "locking" the keypad while your phone is not in use, can help prevent unauthorized access even after your cell phone is no longer in service. Still, certain data on your phone, including personal contacts, photos and Web search terms, may be recoverable with relatively simple and inexpensive software programs.

It's a good idea to remove personal information before you dispose of your phone. Permanent data deletion usually requires several steps. Remove the memory or subscriber identity module (SIM) card from the phone. That's an important first step in deleting information, but you likely will need to do more to erase all the sensitive data on your device. You can command a cell phone to delete certain data, but that will only delete the references to where the data is located; the actual information stays on the phone's operating system.

Permanent data deletion may also require you to clear data from the phone's contacts and other stored information. Your owner's manual, your wireless provider's website, or the manufacturer will likely provide information on how to permanently delete information from your mobile device and even how to save or transfer information to a new device before deletion. Check to see that you have removed the following data: phone book, any lists of calls (received and made), voicemails, sent and received email and text messages, organizer folders, Web search history and photos.

Options For Disposal

Once you have a ''clean'' phone, there are several options for disposing of it. You can first try recycling because cell phone manufacturers, service providers, and non-profit groups often have programs to refurbish mobile devices or recycle their components, including peripheral devices like chargers. You can use your favorite search engine to find the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for information on electronic product recycling programs.

The U.S. Postal Service's free ''Mail Back'' pilot program allows customers to recycle small electronics and inkjet cartridges. Some 1,500 Post Offices have free envelopes so you can mail back PDAs, cell phones, digital cameras, and music players without having to pay for postage. Many organizations also collect old mobile devices for charitable purposes.

You can always try reselling your old cell phone or device as some individuals and organizations will buy your old mobile devices. This might seem like an odd thing but if you have the time, give it a try. A few bucks back is always better than nothing

You should always keep the environment in mind when disposing of mobile devices. Cell phones contain batteries, which should not be put in your trash because they will end up in landfills where they could be harmful to both people and the environment. Many cell phones also contain heavy metals which can contaminate the earth. The EPA recommends that you check with your local health and sanitation agencies for the proper way to dispose of electronics safely.

If you follow the tips in this article, you will be in a better position to enjoy the benefits of your new electronic gadget or gizmo with total peace of mind.