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Recycle your old cell phones to help save gorillas.

For every cell phone returned, Eco-Cell will make a donation to the Calgary Zoo’s Conservation Outreach fund, which supports ape conservation initiatives, including projects for gorillas. We accept all cell phones and their accessories. Drop them off at the South Security entrance or at the North or West Gates, at the Calgary Zoo.

Download and print the Help Save Gorillas poster and start your own cell phone recycling program.

Due to their small size and rapid replacement cycle, cell phones often end up in the waste stream contributing a mass of toxic materials to our landfills.

Cell phones and their accessories contain a large number of hazardous substances including heavy metals which may linger in the environment for many years and have adverse effects on human health.

An ore called coltan (columbite-tantalite) is a source of the element tantalum which is an essential coating for components of cell phones. This ore is found in the Congo in the middle of endangered gorilla and elephant habitats. Reducing the demand for coltan will aid in the preservation of these habitats.

By recycling your cell phone, you are not only keeping toxic chemicals out of landfills, you are also aiding in the preservation of vital animal habitats by reducing the demand for coltan. In 2011, the Calgary Zoo was Eco-Cell's top Canadian recycler and second across North America! 

Our recyling program statistics so far:

2007 = 2,505 phones collected

2008 = 2,799 phones collected

2009 = 2,887 phones collected   

2010 = 2,510 phones collected

2011 = 7,338 phones collected

Total:  18,039 phones collected



*2012* 

We are currently accepting cell phones for recycling.  Cell phones may be dropped off at the South Security entrance or at the North Gate.  If you require further information, or if you would like to recycle a large number of phones with us, please contact Lisa McDonald, Manager of Visitor Education at phone: 403-232-9317.

Please ensure that the phone services have been discontinued and all information has been erased from the phone. The Calgary Zoo and Eco-cell are not responsible for erasing information from donated cell phones.


For more information please contact Lisa McDonald, Manager of Visitor Education at phone: 403-232-9317.