Racine Zoo collecting and recycling old cell phones

The Racine Zoo made this announcement today:

The Racine Zoo has teamed up with Eco-Cell to collect used cell phones at the Zoo’s main office and the Vanishing Kingdom historic building. The Zoo will accept all phones in any condition and donating your phone is free. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the Racine Zoo while also preserving animals in the wild.

Eco-Cell is a leading organization in responsible cell phone recycling. They emphasize their commitment to conservation by holding to a no landfill policy. Properly recycling cell phones is important because hazardous materials found in cell phones, batteries and chargers can end up in landfills and can send toxins into our environment.

Not only will recycling your cell phone help the environment, it will also help save some of its endangered inhabitants.

“Many people don’t know that some animals are in grave danger in part due to the mining of elements found in cell phones. According to the UN, the eastern lowland gorilla population has cut in half in the last 5 years. Recycling your cell phone is a great way to help these animals in the Congo,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO of The Racine Zoo.

Also, for every cell phone turned in to the Zoo, Eco-Cell donates a portion to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.