Spring is finally in the air and those Mainers who weren’t swept downstream by the end-of-winter monsoon we recently endured may be looking to make changes in cell phone service and phones.

It seems as though every month, a bevy of new cellular products appear on the market, each with its own special bells and whistles and ring tones. Teenagers, in particular, are up to speed with the technology and the service plan that offers 24-7 free access to the romantic interest of the moment. They’re big on text messaging and gizmos like cameras and videos. These instruments have revolutionized the way we work, communicate and drive.

However, when it finally comes time to let go of that small piece of technology in the palm of your hand, removing all personal data is essential to protect your security, finances and identity.

During the transfer to a new cell phone, Wireless Recycling (www.wirelessrecycling.com) can help you erase phone numbers and other stored data from your phone to be recycled, donated, returned, or otherwise removed. Their cell phone data eraser system gives erase data instructions based on the make and model of your cell phone. The site also gives information to locate a cell phone drop center in your area to donate your old cell phone.

Remember also, when having a cell phone repaired, in the interest of saving customer and staff time, it is often the practice of the cell company to provide you with a substitute phone and to fix your actual phone at a later time and re-issue it to someone else. You may want to ask the staff for assurances that your personal information is deleted and your identity is protected.

Today’s recycling is a great practice that helps ensure a cleaner Maine future. However, there are many Maine consumers who will be distrustful of any and all data erase systems and will be tempted to toss their cell phone in the wood stove or heave it off the Joshua Chamberlain bridge as an alternative method of protection. While these consumers’ concerns may be real, the resulting environmental pollution is not acceptable.

The reality is that cell phones are recycled with phone numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, and other vital and confidential information stored. When this phone is in the hands of others, your personal and financial identity can be compromised with disastrous results. Data erase programs can be of great assistance. Perhaps there are readers out there willing to share their own cell phone data stories?

Technology has given us new tools and changed the way we work and communicate. Yet, every technological advancement presents many challenges that Mainers need to be aware.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. Individual membership costs $25; business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.