Online cell phone retailer TheBlueDot.net has worked up quite a reputation for its specific product focus, only selling  refurbished cell phones to its customers. The online retailer recently launched its affiliate program through LinkShare and hopes to gain steam through the increased exposure.

Many consumers aren’t aware of the potential damage the can be caused when used cell phones are simply discarded and not properly recycled. More than one hundred million cell phones are replaced each year, many of which end up in dumps across the globe. Harsh, concentrated metals such as cadmium and lead can end up damaging the earth if they are not properly recycled.

Customers are likely to be attracted to the used phones because of the cost savings, as well as the security of buying the used cell phones from a major retailer. The risk of buying a high-priced piece of electronics drives some consumers to buy new instead of risking an investment in used piece of technology that hasn’t been tested by an authority figure such as TheBlueDot.net.

In the past, used cell phones have been hard to recycle because of the different standards and materials used in manufacturing them. Manufacturers may use an assortment of foams or flame retardant materials that can also be hazardous to handle. Because recyclers might not know what he or she is getting into recycling different types of phones, the safer alternate is just to continue recycling the phone through different users for as long as possible.

While not the most ideal or sustainable practice for the long haul (a phone will only be up to date for so long) the delay does allow time for recycling authorities to develop practices which will assist consumers in recycling their used cell phones. Hopefully in the future there will be greater awareness of recycling practices which more consumers can follow.
In the meantime, selling your used phones to TheBlueDot.net is a great alternative to pitching them. Not only does it put some cash in your pocket, but it saves one more phone from going in the landfill!

Interested affiliates can sign up for TheBlueDot.net affiliate program in LinkShare. The program boasts 11-13% commission rates.