[telecom] Maine Cell-Phone Recycling Law Kicks In January 1st

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AUGUSTA (AP) -- Mainers who've been tossing their old cell phones in the trash will have to change their ways next week.

A state law going into effect on January First forbids owners from disposing of old cellular phones in the trash. But it also requires retailers to collect used cell phones at no charge for recycling.

The law's sponsor, Representative Christopher Babbidge, says Maine becomes the third state after California and New York to enact a law.

In Maine, retailers must accept all used phones -- even those been sold by other companies. Some companies that market mobile phones have already moved ahead on their own with recycling programs in Maine and elsewhere.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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