If you're like me, you may find it hard to remember what life was like before the convenience of cell phones.

But have you ever wondered what happens to your old cell phone after you upgrade to a new model? Do stores really recycle old cell phones, or refurbish and give them to the poor, or do the discarded cell phones just end up in landfills?

Learn how you can ensure your old cell phone is recycled and put to good use instead of becoming an environmental 911 emergency.

_{Photo courtesy of Getty Images}