Project Eco-Cell, initiated by Director of Conservation and Education Stacia Pieroni, aims to increase the collection of cell phones in the name of conservation.
Eco-Cell, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) preferred company, is the premier handheld electronics recycling program for environmentally-minded organizations. A mobile phone can contain more than 40 elements, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, that pose a concern for the health of humans and the environment.
Cell phones and "smart" gadgets are connected to wildlife via an ore called coltan (columbite-tantalite). Coltan is a source of the element tantalum, which is an essential coating for cell phone components. This ore is found in great quantity in the Congo, home to critically endangered gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife.
By donating your old cell phones and electronics to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, you are helping to reduce mining for elements in wildlife habitats, preventing toxic waste from entering landfills, and raising money for species conservation through the recycling program.
Eco-cell has recycled over 1,000,000 cell phones to date. Answer the call to help wildlife and recycle your old cell phone or device today!
You can find the Eco-Cell collection box in Beastro Lobby near near the exit door and Guest Relations.
What You Can Recycle with Eco-Cell:
cellphones/smartphones, iPads/tablets, iPods/mp3 players, GPS, smart watches, Airpods/earbuds, VR headsets, digital cameras, and associated cords and cables.
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