I found a "merchandise return label" with some old T-Mo phone of mine, it claims they'll "recycle and reuse" old handsets, batteries, etc.
Does anyone know if this is a legitimate program? Or just another of the e-waste promulgating type that Kyle &co are fighting?
Great question. The short answer is that it's hard to tell, but I generally trust the carrier take back programs. Programs like Cell Phones for Soldiers are also good.
In general, the harm caused by a phone sitting in a drawer and not getting used is far greater than any harm that could potentially come from mistreatment at end of life.
T-Mobile has distressingly little on their website about this. This page looks great and seems promising, but I can't find any details beyond that. Who is handling their phones? How much reuse happens vs. wholesale shredding? That's the important thing. We need to get hardware used for as long as possible.
Could you ask them some additional questions, and share what you learn with us?
Also: Is there a repair manual for your phone on iFixit yet? If not, let's get one written! We need phones to write manuals for.
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