In recognition of America Recycles Day, Sprint Nextel reminded consumers of the environmental benefits of recycling their old or unused wireless devices through take-back programs such as Sprint (News - Alert) Buyback and Sprint Project Connect.
In a press release, Ralph Reid, Sprint vice president of corporate responsibility, said, “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 140 million old mobile devices are improperly disposed of each year, potentially releasing environmentally sensitive materials into the air and water. In light of America Recycles Day, Sprint would like to remind consumers that instead of disposing of their old or unused electronics, they can responsibly recycle them through Sprint Buyback and Project Connect.”
All of Sprint’s programs place an emphasis on reuse; even when phones are damaged, parts that cannot be reused are recycled. Over 90 percent of the devices that Sprint collected in 2009 were reused.
Reid went on to say, “Sprint takes pride in our commitment to help customers and our industry protect the environment and the communities we serve. In addition to continuing to expand our portfolio of green devices – devices that are made of recyclable and post-consumer recycled materials, and which contain low levels of PVCs, BFRs, phthalates and beryllium – our take-back programs ensure old or unused mobile devices are handled responsibly and kept out of the waste stream.”
Sprint Buyback was recently expanded to accept all eligible devices from any carrier or manufacturer. This program offers customers a financial incentive to recycle their old or unused devices with Sprint. The incentive ranges from $5 to $300 per eligible device. Customers that bring in up to five eligible wireless devices during a 12-month period will receive an immediate account credit for the value of their old device and they do not need to upgrade an existing device or plan. Customers can take advantage of this program in participating Sprint stores or by going to Sprint.com/buyback.
All devices that do not qualify for the Sprint Buyback program can be donated to Sprint Project Connect. The Sprint Project Connect is a recycling service that accepts all used wireless phones, batteries, accessories and data cards, regardless of carrier or condition. The net proceeds generated from the sale of equipment collected through Sprint Project Connect help to promote free Internet safety resources for kids, parents and educators through Sprint’s 4NetSafetySM program.
Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Calvin’s articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Jaclyn Allard
