Partners

Phone Apes is name of The Toronto Zoo's Cell Phone recycling program. Together we support gorilla conservation and E-waste awareness. The Toronto Zoo is the most trusted cell phone recycler in the Greater Toronto Area & throughout Ontario.

Re-using a cell phone supports the environment and generates funds for Gorilla conservation. Retrocell is Phone Ape’s exclusive refurbisher and retailer of used cell phones in Canada. Our mission is to change the way Canadians consume cell phones; that is, to provide a low-cost, environmentally sustainable alternative to the available retail channels

How does cell phone recycling help conserve Gorillas and their habitats?

Coltan is a metallic ore used to produce the element tantalum. Tantalum, used in a light weight metal powder form, is able to hold a very high electrical charge. This makes it a vital element in creating the capacitors that control electric flow inside miniature circuit boards. Tantalum capacitors are used in almost all cell phones, laptops, pagers and other electronic devices.

Coltan is most concentrated, and therefore most easily mined, in the rain forests of the former Republic of the Congo. Unfortunately, the endangered Lowland Gorilla also calls this spot home. By recycling old cell phones, tantalum can be re-used; lessening the demand to mine pure coltan in the Congo.