On Monday, the FCC now allows consumers to keep their old cell phone numbers between carriers, which is a very good idea for those who have had their phones/carriers a long time and want to switch without losing their numbers.

But what am I going to do with my old phone now that I switch carriers, kept my same number and got an upgraded phone?

Recycle it.

So, I headed down to Staples, where I saw a sign asking people to bring in their old cell phones and I donated two phones. A company called Collective Good has their drop-off sites in Staples and they recycle the phones for reuse for charity.

Cell phone batteries, like the cordless batteries for your land-based phone, can deteriorate and become toxic waste. Not exactly something we'd want in the ground in your local landfill. Besides, recycling methods now can turn everything we make into something else and that's not a bad thing.

Through Google, you can recycle your cell phones for breast cancer (www.recycleforbreastcancer.com), for food banks (www.phonesforfood.com) and through your waste management company. Check it out in your area if you want to find out more.

©B&B