Old Cell Phones-Where Do They All Go?

By James Mosieur

Last year consumers in the United States purchased more than 100 million new cell phones. Not only was this an increase over the previous year, it brought the total number of cell phone users in the U.S. to more than 180 million.

You might not think cell phone waste is a big problem since the average cell phone today weighs less than 6 ounces. However, since more than one-half of all Americans now own cell phones, isn’t it time we take a look at what happens to our old cell phone when we upgrade, change or cancel our service. According to Inform Inc, a non-profit institute which keeps tabs on such numbers, there are more than 500 million old cell phones sitting unused in drawers, closets and desks around the country. All of these contain chemicals and substances which are harmful to the environment if improperly disposed of.

U.S. consumers replace between 100 million and 130 million cell phones each year. Unfortunately, the cell phone recycling industry processes less than 10 million of these. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if there are already 500 million old cell phones and we add between 90 million and 120 million to this number each year – pretty soon we have a big problem!

This brings us back to our initial question… Where do all the old cell phones go? As I mentioned a short time ago, within the wireless industry there is a segment which takes these old cell phones and does one of several things with them.


• Some are sold for use in other countries
• Some are donated to shelters for use in a variety of emergency (911) phone programs
• Some are repaired or refurbished and sold in the U.S. either as replacement or pre-paid phones
• Finally, others are broken down to the essential elements and recycled

The bottom line is that U.S. consumers replace their cell phones approximately every 18 months which allows them to take advantage of the newest technology and features. In most cases the cell phone being replaced still works fine and has a lot of useful life left in it. Just because we are through using it does not mean it has suddenly become junk.

We all need to be responsible stewards of our planet’s resources and make sure that when we get a new cell phone we find a home for our old cell phone. In most instances your carrier will offer you a recycling option, but if not… there are plenty of places on the internet to sell your phone, donate it to charity, or simply send it in at no cost for recycling.




James Mosieur is CEO of RMS Communications Group, Inc. RMS operates several cell phone recycling websites like www.CellForCash.com. He has been in the electronics recycling business since 1985. James writes and speaks on cell phone recycling and related subjects particularly as they relate to the individual consumer.

So did you get in on the iphone craze?

iPhone mania Day 1 on 5th Ave. in New York City.






Am I the only one that finds this a bit crazy? All this attention over a cellphone!
I can't imagine geting so excited over a cellphone. Sure I'd like to have it but not that bad to wait in long lines and or over night.

Nokia Cellphone Tips & Secrets

NOKIA ::. Nokia Universal Codes Code Description :
These Nokia codes will work on most Nokia Mobile Phones

(1) *3370# Activate Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) - Your phone uses the best sound quality but talk time is reduced my approx. 5%

(2) #3370# Deactivate Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) OR *3370#

(3) *#4720# Activate Half Rate Codec - Your phone uses a lower quality sound but you should gain approx 30% more Talk Time.

(4) *#4720# Deactivate Half Rate Codec.

(5) *#0000# Displays your phones software version, 1st Line : Software Version, 2nd Line : Software Release Date, 3rd Line : Compression Type. ( F avourite )

(6) *#9999# Phones software version if *#0000# does not work.

(7) *#06# For checking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI Number). ( F avourite )

(8) #pw+1234567890+1# Provider Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w"
and "+" symbols).

(9) #pw+1234567890+2# Network Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w"
and "+" symbols).

(10) #pw+1234567890+3# Country Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w"
and "+" symbols).

(11) #pw+1234567890+4# SIM Card Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w"
and "+" symbols).

(12) *#147# (vodafone) this lets you know who called you last.

(13) *#1471# Last call (Only vodofone).

(14) *#21# Allows you to check the number that "All Calls" are diverted to

(15) *#2640# Displays security code in use.

(16) *#30# Lets you see the private number.

(17) *#43# Allows you to check the "Call Waiting" status of your phone.

(18) *#61# Allows you to check the number that "On No Reply" calls are diverted to.

(19) *#62# Allows you to check the number that "Divert If Unreachable (no service)" calls
are diverted to.

(20) *#67# Allows you to check the number that "On Busy Calls" are diverted to.

(21) *#67705646# Removes operator logo on 3310& 3330.

(22) *#73# Reset phone timers and game scores.

(23) *#746025625# Displays the SIM Clock status, if your phone supports this power saving feature "SIM Clock Stop Allowed", it means you will get the best standby time possible.

(24) *#7760# Manufactures code.

(25) *#7780# Restore factory settings.

(26) *#8110# Software version for the nokia 8110.

(27) *#92702689# Displays - 1.Serial Number, 2.Date Made, 3.Purchase Date, 4.Date of last repair (0000 for no repairs), 5.Transfer User Data. To exit this mode you need to switch your phone off then on again. ( F avourite )

(28) *#94870345123456789# Deactivate the PWM-Mem.

(29) **21*number# Turn on "All Calls" diverting to the phone number entered.

(30) **61*number# Turn on "No Reply" diverting to the phone number entered.

(31) **67*number# Turn on "On Busy" diverting to the phone number entered.

(32) 12345 This is the default security code.

press and hold # Lets you switch between lines NOKIA 5110/5120/5130/5190 IMEI number: * # 0 6 #
Software version: * # 0 0 0 0 #
Simlock info: * # 9 2 7 0 2 6 8 9 #
Enhanced Full Rate: * 3 3 7 0 # [ # 3 3 7 0 # off]
Half Rate: * 4 7 2 0 #
Provider lock status: #pw+1234567890+1
Network lock status #pw+1234567890+2
Provider lock status: #pw+1234567890+3
SimCard lock status: #pw+1234567890+4 NOKIA 6110/6120/6130/6150/6190 IMEI number: * # 0 6 #
Software version: * # 0 0 0 0 #
Simlock info: * # 9 2 7 0 2 6 8 9 #
Enhanced Full Rate: * 3 3 7 0 # [ # 3 3 7 0 # off]
Half Rate: * 4 7 2 0 # NOKIA 3110 IMEI number: * # 0 6 #
Software version: * # 0 0 0 0 # or * # 9 9 9 9 # or * # 3 1 1 0 #
Simlock info: * # 9 2 7 0 2 6 8 9 # NOKIA 3330 *#06#
This will show your warranty details *#92702689#
*3370#
Basically increases the quality of calling sound, but decreases battery length.
#3370#
Deactivates the above
*#0000#
Shows your software version
*#746025625#This shows if your phone will allow sim clock stoppage
*4370#
Half Rate Codec activation. It will automatically restart
#4370#
Half Rate Codec deactivation. It will automatically restart
Restore Factory Settings
To do this simply use this code *#7780#
Manufacturer Info
Date of Manufacturing *#3283#
*3001#12345# (TDMA phones only) This will put your phone into programming mode, and you'll be presented with the programming menu.
2) Select "NAM1"
3) Select "PSID/RSID"
4) Select "P/RSID 1"
Note: Any of the P/RSIDs will work
5) Select "System Type" and set it to Private
6) Select "PSID/RSID" and set it to 1
7) Select "Connected System ID"
Note: Enter your System ID for Cantel, which is 16401 or 16423. If you don't know yours,
ask your local dealer for it.
8) Select "Alpha Tag"
9) Enter a new tag, then press OK
10) Select "Operator Code (SOC)" and set it to 2050
11) Select "Country Code" and set it to 302 for Canada, and 310 for the US.
12) Power down the phone and power it back on again
ISDN Code
To check the ISDN number on your Nokia use this code *#92772689# .:: Ericsson ::. Ericson T65 *#05# Fake Insert puk screen Press no to exit Ericsson T20
Ericsson T20





MENU tecnichal Info
[type]>*<<*<* Displays : 1] Info service 1] Info SW 2] Info hardware 3] SIMlock 4]setup 2] Service setup 1] Contrast 3]Service Test 1] Display 2]Leds 3]Keyboard 4] ringer 5] Vibration 6]Headset 7] Microphone 8]Clock 4] Names List MENU info [Type]>*<<**<>*<<*<* menu Tecnichal info SW vers. and name list >*<<**<> are the right and left menu's keys Ericsson T18s/T10/A1018s>*<<*<* software CXC125065 Internal product code PRG 970715 1515 Software version and SW rev. <* CLR<><** >*<<*<*> Displays texts and messages in the phone
It will be displayed " TEXT " then push YES
<> are the right and left menu's keys
!!!><** Control /Enable SIM Lock!!! Ericsson R310 Technical Info :>*<<*<* Options : 1) service Info info Software Simlock Configuration 2) Service Test Display Led/Illumination Keyboard ringer Vibration Headset Microphone Clock 3)Text's name List Info personal :>*<<**<
SIM Locking ( 8 digits' code ) ( it could harm your phone )
1) Network
2) Subnetwork
3) SP
4) Corporate
.:: Siemens ::. Siemens C25 IMEI number: * # 0 6 #
Software version: put off sim card and enter: : * # 0 6 # and press LONG KEY
Bonus screen: in phone booke: + 1 2 0 2 2 2 4 3 1 2 1 .:: Bosch ::. IMEI Number: * # 0 6 #
Dafault Language: * # 0 0 0 0 #
Net Monitor: * # 3 2 6 2 2 5 5 * 8 3 7 8 # .::Alcatel ::. IMEI number: * # 0 6 #
Software version: * # 0 6 #
Net Monitor: 0 0 0 0 0 0 * .:: Samsung ::. Samsung SGH600/2100DB IMEI number: * # 0 6 #
Software version: * # 9 9 9 9 # albo * # 0 8 3 7 #
Net Monitor: * # 0 3 2 4 #
Chaning LCD contrast: * # 0 5 2 3 #
Memory info: * # 0 3 7 7 # albo * # 0 2 4 6 #
Reset pamieci (SIMLOCK`a removing!!!): *2767*3855#
Reset pamieci CUSTOM: *2767*2878#
Battery state: * # 9 9 9 8 * 2 2 8 #
Alarm beeper: *#9998*289#
Vibra test: *#9998*842# .:: Dancall ::. IMEI number: * # 0 6 #
Software version: * # 9 9 9 9 # .:: Philips ::. *#3333*# Displays the blocking list.
*#7489*# Displays the security code.
*#06# Displays the IMEI number.
*#8377*# Displays the SW info. .:: Panasonic ::. Panasonic gd90 gd93 *#9999# SW - Type the code on switch on , during network seek
-Vers. SW and production code
Enable ringing and vibration contemporarily
Enable vibration with # then increase volume with "tone menu " Panasonic gd70 *#9999# SW - Type the code on switch on , during network seek
-Vers. SW and production code
Enable ringing and vibration contemporarily
Enable vibration with # then increase volume with "tone menu " .:: Acer ::. Acer V 750 *#400# Display Adc/ Set Cal-Value -
*#402# Set LCD Contrast
*#403# Display Errors Info
*#300# Display Info Hw& Sw
*#301# Menu Test
*#302# Menu Acoustics
*#303# (Settings saved) Set English language?
*#307# Menu Engineering
*#311# Reset Phone Code - [ Also reset Security Codes ! ]
*#330# (Execute not success) [ unknown ]
*#331# (Service deactivated) [ unknown ]
*#332# (Service unavailable)[ unknown ]
*#333# (Execute not success)[ unknown ]
*#351# (Service unavailable) [ unknown ]
*#360# (Invalid input)[ unknown ]
*#361# (Invalid input) [ unknown ]
*#362# (Invalid input) [ unknown ]
*#363# (Invalid input) [ unknown ] .:: Genie ::. Genie DB *#06# IMEI.
*#2254*# Near Cell Mode.
For every received BTS will be displayed :
Current channel and 2 channel levels
*#06# IMEI
*#2558# time of network connection ( D/H/M )
*#2562# Fores reconnection to network
!!!*#7489# Dispalys and modify phones' security code!!!
!!!*#3377# SIM lock information !!!
*#7378# SIM card Informations : supported phase name and tipe
*#7693# Enable/disable "Sleep Mode"
*#8463# State of "Sleep Mode"
*#2255# Debug Call Mode enable/disable
*#3333*# Displays the blocking list.
*#7489*# Displays the security code
*#06# Displays the IMEI number
*#8377*# Displays the SW info.
.:: NEC ::. NEC db2000 *#2820# software vers.
IMEI *#06#
Reset *73738# (send?)
SP Lock info:
* # 3210 # (send?)
Network barring info : *#8140# (send?)
( it could harm your phone )
SIM lock it could harm your phone )
*#4960 # (send?) -Inquiry * 4960 * password * password # (send?) lock
#4960* password # (send?) unlock
[password] [8 digits]
Net Lock
*#7320# (send?) -Inquiry * 7320 * password * password # (send?) lock
#7320* password # (send?) unlock
[password] [ 8 digits]
Net Lock 2:
*#2220# (invio) - Inquiry * 2220 * password * password # (send?) lock
#2220* password # (invio?)unlock
[password] [8 digits]
Unlock subnetwork
*#1110# (send?) - inquiry * 1110 * password * password # (send?) lock
#1110* password # (send?) unlock
[password] [ni?? 8 cifre]
( it could harm your phone ) .:: Trium ::. Trium Geo/Geo @ - Astral - Cosmo -Aria
Enter the menu and type *
A new menu will be displayed :
Application : SW version and battery's voltage

Trium Galaxy
Push * and type 5806: Production date and SW version
.:: Telit ::. Telit GM 810 MONITOR - technical menu - : type ++++ and push OK.
Adiacent cells list : # and *
Now if you push OK the phone displays battery ' s voltage and temperature .:: Sagem ::. Sagem MC959/940 Select commands' menu and push *
Displays a new menu' :
Appli : software vers. and battery's voltage
Eprom
Sim Lock
Test LCD: display test , green/red and vibration Sagem MC920 Select commands' menu and push *
Displays 5 new menus :
1 APPLI
VERSION ( SW)
BATTERY (voltage )
2 PROM (IMEI)
3!!! SIM LOCK (10 digits code requested ) !!!
4- NETWORK (returns : OPTION NOT AVAILABLE)
5- TEST LCD
SYMBOL 1 (LCD)
SYMBOL 2 (test2 LCD)
BLACK (all icons and carachters displayed )
FOR PHOTO (welcome message and time )
VIBRATOR (vibration test )
.:: Sony ::. Sony CMD Z5/J5 Vers. SW :
Without SIM , switch on phone and type l *#7353273# .:: Eprom ::.
!!! Sim Lock [10 digits code ] ( it could harm your phone )
NETWORK : OPTION NOT AVAILABLE
Test LCD: display test of the green/red leds and vibration
Push * and type 4329 :enables/disables network monitor 1 (the same of MT35)
Push * and type 621342 :enables/disables network monitor 2
Push * and type 5807 : Serial Number Software Vers.
Push * and type 936505: IMEI -- Software Vers.
TPush * and type 547 : Test serial Data Cable DISPLAYS :"Testmode"
Push * and type 362628: ISMI BLOCK (UNKNOWN)
Push * and type 476989: NS BLOCK (UNKNOWN)
Push * and type 482896:CP BLOCK (UNKNOWN)
Push * and type 787090: ? BLOCK (UNKNOWN)
Push * and type 787292 : block current network
!!! Push * and type 967678: SP LOCK!!!
Push * and type 850696:Warm Start ( ENABLE/DISABLE)
Push * and type 3926 : Swicth off phone
Push * and type 5806: Production date and SW version .:: Motorola ::. Motorola V3688 IMEI *#06#
Enhanced Full Rate Codec EFR
Enable EFR : [][][] 119 [] 1 [] OK.
disable EFR : [][][] 119 [] 0 [] OK .:: Tips and Tricks ::. Send an E-mail from your GSM From your telephone you can send an email to whichever E-mail customer of the Internet network.
The e-mail will be sent to the maximum of within an hour from the reception.
The sended message will contain in luminosity the telephone number of the sender.
In order for sending e-mail, send an SMS with this syntax (always separated by spaces):
EMA name@domain text-of-your-email
Example: in order to send an email to john@doe.com , do the following:
EMA john@doe.com text-of-your-email
if your phone cant print @ replace it with a !
EMA johon!doe.com text-of-your-email
And then send this message to the folloving number: +39 338 8641732
Free SMS Center numbers
From your telephone you can send SMS messages of 160 char. max. to another GSM phone
Your message will be sent through an SMS Center (usually the one that gave your provider)
You pay a little fee depending of your provider, BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY something
In order for sending SMS without paying anything, you got to change your SMS Center number with these one
+491722270300 or +358405202999 or +352021100003
Codes (that they dont tell you in the manual) To check the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) type: *#06#
Information you get from the IMEI:
XXXXXX XX XXXXXX X
TAC FAC SNR SP
TAC = Type Approval Code (first 2 digits = country code).
FAC = Final Assembly Code (For Nokia phones FAC=10).
SNR = Serial Number.
SP = Spare (always SP=0).
To check the phone's software (firmware revision information) type: *#0000# ( or for some phones outher then Nokia 61XX you can try *#model nummber# ex. for 8110 *#8110#)
Information you can get from the phone's software version:
V 3.14
28-11-97
NSE-3
1st line: Software version.
2nd line: The date of the software release.
3nd line: Phone type, .

Some versions and dates:
V 3.14 28/11/97
V4.33 11/03/98
V 4.73 22/04/98
V 5.24 14/9/98
Pin-Out Diagram for the 6110 1 - VIN CHARGER INPUT VOLTAGE 8.4V 0.8A
2 - CHRG CTRL CHARGER CONTROL PWM 32Khz
3 - XMIC MIC INPUT 60mV - 1V
4 - SGND SIGNAL GROUND
5 - XEAR EAR OUTPUT 80mV - 1V
6 - MBUS 9600 B/S
7 - FBUS_RX 9.6 - 230.4 KB/S
8 - FBUS_TX 9.6 - 230.4 KB/S
9 - L_GND CHARGER / LOGIC GND Revealing Headphone and Car-Kit Menus Think about this: If you do these tricks the new menus can not be erased after the procedure. But it's not dangerous or harmful for your phone
To enable the headset-function, you have to short-circuit the "3" and "4". After a short time there is "Headset" on the display Now, menu 3-6 is now enabled!
To enable the carkit-function you have to short-circuit the "4" and "5". After a short time, "Car" is shown on the display and the menu 3-7 is enabled!!
This Trick is for you how want to hear more then your supposed to ! If you short-circuit the left and the right contact with the middle contact ("3", "6" and "9") the Nokia Software hangs! The profile "Headset" will be activated. Before you do this, just active the "auto call receive" function in the headphone profile and set the ringing volume to "mute" Now you can use your phone for checking out what people are talking about in a room. Place the phone somewhere stratidic and call your phone! The phone receives the call without ringing and you can listen to what people are talking about! .....gr8... Serial numbers on your 6110 For more info type: *#92702689#
The first screen gives you the serial and IMEI number.
Then there is the Date of Manufacture: ex. Made 1297
Then there is the Purchasing Date: ex. Purchasing Date 0298
Then there is the last Repair Date: ex. Repaired: 0000
Note: you must turn off the phone to exit after this test, because of the last function, "transfer user data" which doesn't work as "standard"....You can use this mode only to transfer all Calender, Profile and Callers Group Information to another phone (eg. if you are replacing phone or configuring phones for use within your company or when a particular phone doesn't works correctly )
Activating and deactivating EFR and HFR, on your 6110 *3370# to activate Enhanced Full Rate - Makes calls sound better, but decreases the battery life by about 5%.
#3370# to deactivate Enhanced Full Rate
*4720# to activate Half Rate Mode - Drops call quality, but increases battery life by about 30%.
#4720# to deactivate Half Rate Mode

Motorola SLVR L7 Pink with iTunes *Free*

The ultimate Girly cellphone and you can't beat the price!!

The Motorola SLVR L7 with iTunes is the much-anticipated successor to the super-hot selling Motorola ROKR! With an ultra slim, edgy design, the fact that you can sync and play iTunes from your phone is almost secondary. Plus, as a phone this all-in-one is pretty hot too - with Bluetooth, digital camera and camcorder all built-in. And, with a huge battery life, you can keep the music playing! If you want the thinnest iTunes player on the planet, look no further than the Motorola.
You can find it here this week for Free!
http://www.tmicell.com/plans/ph_detail.asp?PhoneId=2392
Many other cellphones to choose from. To see them all click here.

Model Motorola SLVR L7 Pink with iTunes
Carrier Cingular Wireless

Final Price FREE*
Advanced Features

* Digital Camera - VGA-quality (640 x 480 Pixel Resolution Max), 4x Digital Zoom
* MP3 Player - Yes, Plays MP3 Format Files
* iTunes Player - Yes
* Bluetooth Wireless Technology - Yes, Class 2
* Video Capture / Camcorder - Record Up to 30 Seconds In Length, H.263 and MPEG4 Format
* Voice-driven Menus - Yes
* Data Capable / Use This Phone As A Modem - Yes, With Software Sold Separately
* PC Synchronization - Yes, With Software Sold Separately

Battery Life

* Battery Type - Li Ion
* Talk Time - Up to 380 Minutes
* Standby Time - Up to 420 Hours

Compatibility Features

* Device Supports Voice Plans - Yes
* Device Supports Cingular MEdia Services - Yes
* Available For Purchase Without Service Plan - Yes
* Device Supports Cingular Messaging - Yes

Core Features

* Color Main Display - 176 x 200 Pixels, Over 262,000 Colors Displayed
* Color - Pink
* Style - Candy Bar
* Speakerphone - Yes
* Voice-activated Dialing - Yes
* Voice Memo - Yes
* Standard 2.5mm Headset Jack - Yes, Stereo Headset Included
* Alarm - Yes
* Calculator - Yes
* Calendar - Yes
* Mini-USB Port - Yes, mini-USB Charger Included
* Vibrate - Yes
* Phonebook Capacity - Up to 1000 Contacts
* Multiple Numbers Per Name - Yes
* TTY Compatible - Yes

Highlights

* Bluetooth Wireless Technology
* Capture and send video clips or still pictures
* Expandable memory card slot
* Giant color screen shows album art as song is playing
* Huge battery life - talk for up to 6.3 hours
* Stores and plays up to 100 Apple iTunes
* Super-slim, elegant design
* Transfer songs to/from your PC or Mac with USB cable

Messaging Features

* Mobile Web Browsing - WAP 2.0 Browser Built-in
* Multimedia Messaging - Send and Receive Picture and Video Messages
* Text Messaging (SMS) - Yes, With Pre-created Message Templates
* Email Client - POP3, IMAP4, SMTP Protocols Supported
* Instant Messenger Built-in - AOL, Yahoo! and ICQ Instant Messaging Pre-loaded

Personalization and Fun Features

* Polyphonic Ringtones - Yes, Downloadable
* Custom Ringtones - Yes
* MP3 Ringtones - Yes
* Ringer Profiles - Yes
* Picture Caller ID - Yes
* Multiple Languages - Yes
* Games - Yes, Downloadable Java Titles
* Customizable Graphics - Yes, Downloadable