While some stores and businesses have cell phone recycling stations to drop off your old and worn cell phone which is then taken to a facility to be shredded or physically dismantled, Nokia is looking to a new method that could be more cost effective. Through research done at the Nokia Research Center in conjunction with three universities in Finland, is showcasing a prototype cell phone that can be disassembled by applying heat which then separates the various components of the phone to make them easier to recycle. From Nokia:

The idea is to disassemble a mobile phone by a heat-activated mechanism without any contact. By using a centralized heat source like laser heating, the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator is activated, and the mobile phone covers are opened. The battery, display, printed wiring board (PWB) and mechanical parts are separated and can then be recycled in their material specific recycling processes. The required temperature for the disassembly is 60-150 ºC.

Nokia goes on to say that takes on average two minutes to dismantle a cell phone using traditional methods. With its new process, the company cuts that time down to two seconds. And for those of you worrying about your phone falling to pieces while sitting inside your hot car, don't worry. The 60C threshold for disassembly should be well above their average temperature of a car left in the hot sun all day.