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With so many new models released each year, the number of devices in your home can quickly grow. Check out the suggestions below: what to do with an old cell phone? In addition to not harming the environment, what are the creative solutions found for our “old” companion?
Before listing suggestions, one of my favourites is to transform the device into a security camera. In this link, you will learn everything about how to carry out the transformation.
What to do with a phone?
1. Discard in an appropriate place
Okay, we can change our device when the current one is defective and no longer useful. In this case, it is important to know how to dispose of the device, not simply throw it in the trash.
Phones are electronic components with boards and circuits, made with materials that are useful when used in technology, but highly polluting for our environment.
When the device is disposed of correctly at collection points, it goes through a sequence of processes. A sorting process is carried out to determine which ones are still usable, and then they are separated for donation.
The devices are then disassembled and the casing, battery and PCB (printed circuit board) are separated. Each of these components has a specific destination.
Components considered toxic are stored in tanks to prevent them from polluting the environment. Non-toxic materials are crushed and sold to other countries that have the technology to extract the metals.
2. Resell your device
Not everyone can afford to buy the latest generation of cell phones. However, the need to own one is only increasing. A good option is to sell your old device for a small amount. It won’t end up in the trash, it won’t take up space in your home and it could help someone without as many financial resources.
3. Become a backup
The increased need for a cell phone, combined with the economic crisis, has made backup one of the healthiest options. Of course, this option only makes sense if the user has two devices, the current one and the old one as a backup.
Cell phones get lost, broken and, unfortunately, stolen. With that in mind, it’s a great idea to keep your old device in case you need it. It’ll give you a little extra cash until you can buy a new one.
4. Turn into a camcorder
No matter what you’re filming: a wedding, a weekend football game with friends, a music video or even an independent film, there’s nothing better than having multiple cameras. When you start editing, you can mix footage from different angles and positions to create a much more complete video.
Your old Android phone can be a great option for an extra camera. Even older ones can capture video at least 1,920 x 1,080 pixels at 30 FPS. Clear out all of your phone’s storage, freeing up space for your “artistic” expression.
5. Baby monitor
If we’re talking about video recording, why not use this possibility to monitor your baby’s sleep? There are already smartphone apps for this purpose, with audio and video control with a two-way option, so you can talk to your baby and try to calm him down without even having to go into his room.
6. Video doorbell
This is very creative, instead of buying an entire smart doorbell system, you just need to buy a Wi-Fi webcam. There are several brands of webcams on the market focused on surveillance. Just attach your old cell phone to the inside of your house, and connect it to the webcam.
7. Turning GoPro
This is the last video, I promise. Your device already has a good camera, it doesn’t need much care, since it’s not the main one. How about “putting it to work” on your adventures, whether on a bike, motorcycle, trails, or any action filming!
On websites that sell accessories, it’s easy to find mounts to attach your cell phone to your bike, to your chest, remote control cars, whatever. Be creative. If you use it to film bike rides, you can also buy a Bluetooth shutter button so you don’t have to use your cell phone while you pedal.
8. E-reader
Would you like to carry a lot of books with you, or leave them on your bedside table? Your old smartphone can be transformed into an e-reader. You don’t need to buy a Kindle, just download the Amazon app, log in with your account and carry tons of books with just the weight of your phone.
9. Music Player
There’s nothing more annoying than going to a party or social gathering and having everyone connected to their Bluetooth speakers, choosing a bunch of random music. Worse, having to use your cell phone to choose the songs.
The old device may only have Spotify or YouTube Music, with all the speakers in the house connected to it, now you have a central hub for controlling the home’s media.
10. Phone for children’s games
Back to the kids. Does your child keep asking for your phone to play games all the time? Problem solved, delete everything from your smartphone and only install games that you think are appropriate for him/her, disable purchases and downloads from the Play Store, and now your child has a “Game Boy”, with better technology.
11. External HD
If the user accumulates a lot of photos on their device, making it heavy and slow, the previous cell phone can serve as a storage disk for these files that get in the way, but that we refuse to delete.
In addition to these suggestions, there are many other creative ways to “get rid of” your old device, without polluting the environment or wasting money by throwing away something that is still functional. Have fun!