Before you throw that old cell phone in the trash, or hide it away in a drawer, think again. There are actually many ways to safely and charitably dispose of an old cell phone. First you should be aware that in many states, throwing away cell phones is actually illegal. This is because the batteries in cell phones from the 1980s were made with nickel cadmium, which is considered toxic. Newer cell phones often have lithium batteries, but there are better places to get rid of them than your trash can.

You certainly don’t need to pay to recycle an old cell phone. In fact, most companies that recycle an old cell phone get paid to do so. This had led to numerous charities making a small amount of money by collecting old cell phones. There are large organizations like the Verizon Wireless Hopeline, but you might also want to think locally.

Many schools and local charities now have recycling programs for your old cell phone, and they do make a little bit on each donation. The saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure certainly applies. If you can’t find a large cell phone recycling program in your area, you might consider starting a small local one, perhaps for a local public school.

Check first, since so many schools have gotten the jump on recycling old cell phones. As people move to bigger and better phones, or smaller and better phones, there are plenty of old cell phones just waiting for a place to land, and smart schools have provided that place.

Local charities may also offer computer recycling or battery recycling too. You might also want to hang onto accessories from old cell phones. Frequently, especially if the old cell phone is not too old, things like chargers or covers can be used with a new phone. Continuing to use accessories in good shape makes smart economic sense.

Thus before you eye the garbage can, with an old cell phone in hand, ready to score two points, think of the money you might score for a charity. In addition to the nickels and dimes earned by cell phone recycling, you’ll also be assuring that your old cell phone doesn’t damage the environment.