The average person keeps a cell phone for 18 months before they decide they have to upgrade to a newer, less antiquated model.  It's estimated that nearly 2 million cell phones get replaced every week, shedding light onto the growing "cell phone disposal" problem.  Cell phones contain mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic and the EPA has designated them as "hazardous," meaning they are not meant to be thrown away in a garbage can.

Some people keep their old phones for emergency purposes in case their newer phone breaks.  Others recycle or donate their phones and there are a variety of companies that provide great deals on used cell phones that consumers reuse.  Whatever happens to your old phone, there are a few things that you should make sure you do before getting rid of it.

1)  Make sure your account has been updated with your service provider to ensure that you are no longer being charged for anything associated with this phone.

2)  Remove all your personal information from the phone.  Take the SIM card out and follow the instruction manual's directions for resetting the phone.  This should be a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people forget to do this.

3)  If your phone will be used by somebody else (e.g. perhaps you're giving your used Blackberry to a friend because you got a new one), see if you can get the unit unlocked before you give it to them.  Unlocking the phone will ensure that it is able to work on their network.  There's plenty of information about how to get a phone unlocked online.

4)  Don't throw it away.  Recycle your old phone.  Donate it to charity.  Keep it for emergency purposes.  Trade it in.  Do anything but throw it away.

Whatever your motivation for getting rid of your old phone, make sure you take the necessary steps to ensure your personal security and dispose of the phone correctly.