Telephones (Landline) Illegal in Garbage, Recycling & Drains E-Waste Telephones are also considered Household Hazardous Waste. If your phone is in good condition, consider donating it. Never Throw in the Trash Landline telephones are made with chemicals and hazardous materials found in circuit boards and batteries. These materials are dangerous when placed in landfills because they can leach into water supplies. Did You Know? The Problem of E-Waste E-waste is a dangerous business in India and China, where e-waste recycling plants release toxic chemicals into the air and cause health problems for recycling workers. To learn more about e-waste, check out The Story of Stuff Project.
