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AIBU?

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Original poster

To have thrown a bunch of smashed up old mobile phones in the bin

460 replies

Pavementworrier · 11/01/2026 18:45

Sims removed but otherwise just as they were

I'd been keeping of them to "destroy securely" but they're driving me insane around the house so enough was enough

Will I get digitally kidnapped now? They were really old and shit phones.

OP posts:
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16
Bubblesgun · 11/01/2026 19:06

Pavementworrier · 11/01/2026 18:45

Sims removed but otherwise just as they were

I'd been keeping of them to "destroy securely" but they're driving me insane around the house so enough was enough

Will I get digitally kidnapped now? They were really old and shit phones.

That s completely irresponsible. I hope you re not my friend. Do you put used batteries in the bin too?
of all the things that s stupid i think you getfirst prize.

fish them out and recycle them properly please.

Thewonderfuleveryday · 11/01/2026 19:05

Yabu. They should have been recycled.
If you were really paranoid you could have bashed them with a hammer. The metals could still have been extracted.

CrispyK · 11/01/2026 19:05

BuffaloCauliflower · 11/01/2026 18:48

The minerals used in mobile phones are rare and finite, we really do need to recycle them. This is more important than the small risk of your data going missing

THiS

but also the batteries are a fire hazard in the bin - they get damaged in the bin lorry & may then cause a fire.

Throwanon · 11/01/2026 19:04

Did you smash them up for the purpose of disposing of them?

HoldingTheDoor · 11/01/2026 19:04

Please don’t throw old lithium batteries in the bin. It is extremely dangerous for the bin men and can cause a fire. They can and should be taken to a recycling centre.

Glitterbiscuits · 11/01/2026 19:03

F FS! At least make an effort to recycle them!

Nourishinghandcream · 11/01/2026 19:02

Why didn't you recycle them?🤔

BuffaloCauliflower · 11/01/2026 18:48

The minerals used in mobile phones are rare and finite, we really do need to recycle them. This is more important than the small risk of your data going missing

Arlanymor · 11/01/2026 18:47

No but you take them to the tip so they can be disposed of properly.

nomas · 11/01/2026 18:46

I think the environmental impact is worse than any risk to your data.

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