Build a Bicycle Dash Cam with an Old Cell Phone

Reader Contribution by Bryan Macmurray
Published on January 30, 2018
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Bryan Macmurray

Recycle old cell phone parts and help reduce e-waste by this fun and clever idea of converting a cell phone into a workable DIY bicycle dash cam.

According to All Green Recycling, 57 million phones are thrown out by Americans every year. About 75% of all used phones go to the landfill. Phones release toxic substances into the environment, so they should be recycled or reused whenever possible. The report revealed that 9.4 million tons of e-waste are produced by the United States every year, and only 13% of electronics in the country are recycled. When we throw out electronics, we are getting rid of materials that are valuable. When a million cell phones are thrown out, we throw away 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, 33 pounds of palladium, and 35,000 pounds of copper. In other words, every year, U.S. residents are throwing away over $60 million in gold and silver.

The average American replaces his or her cell phone on an annual basis, making phones the most commonly replaced electronic item in use. After you get a new phone, you can put your old phone to good use, which in turn will reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment by reducing the harmful chemicals and materials that are released by a phone being thrown into the trash. A smartphone can effectively be used as a dash cam.

Upcycled Bicycle Dash Cam

While there are a few ways to make use of your old smartphone, one of the better ways is to convert into a dash cam that you can use on your bicycle. With the camera, you can record your rides, which is especially helpful if you are involved in a crash with another vehicle.

With recorded video detailing an accident, you can avoid those arguments that are basically “he said, she said” and you can show officers exactly what happened. A video is more reliable and acceptable than any verbal statements from witnesses.

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