FCM is proud partners with The Toronto Zoo and their award winning cell phone recycling program; Phone Apes. We at FCM process the unusable end of life phones through our proprietary mechanical recycling system. This diverts valuable resources from landfills, and reduces illegal exporting.
This program highlights the leadership role that both the Toronto Zoo and FCM take to protect environmental sustainability. Through this program, they strive to raise awareness about the effects of cell phone manufacturing on wildlife habitats.
Inside all cell phones is a mineral called Coltan. This mineral has become one of the world's most sought-after materials because of its use to create tantalum, a key ingredient in electronic circuitry. About 80% of the world's coltan is mined in central Africa, where a variety of wildlife can be found. These mining activities threaten the habitats of numerous wildlife species, in particular the lowland gorilla.
By recycling end of life cell phones, pagers, BlackBerrys and other electronic devices we are able to decrease demand for the raw materials needed to produce new devices. Less demand for new materials reduces the need to expand mines, and helps to preserve the serenity and safety of our wildlife gorillas.
The proceeds from the Phone Apes program go towards helping lowland gorillas in these affected habitats. In 2011, all money raised will be donated to the "Goualougo Triangle Ape Project: Securing the Future of Gorillas and Chimpanzees in a Changing Landscape", a project endorsed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
