Green Technology Featured Articles
February 05, 2008

ReCellular Launches OldPhonesforCharity.com

By Calvin Azuri


ReCellular (News - Alert) has rolled out a program that promotes recycling of used cell phones via the website OldPhonesforCharity.com. Through the site, it is possible to offer assistance to non-profit groups like Susan G. Komen Foundation, Keep America Beautiful and Cell Phones for Soldiers.

People can recycle their unwanted used cell phones and the proceeds generated can then be forwarded to a charity organization. Consumers can donate up to $50 per phone.

"We hope Old Phones for Charity will help raise awareness that old cell phones still have value," Chuck Newman, founder and CEO of ReCellular, was quoted as saying. "The single act of donating your old cell phone for recycling through Old Phones for Charity offers dual benefits, protecting the environment by diverting valuable materials out of landfills and providing financial support to causes relevant to you, such as finding a cure for breast cancer, alleviating hunger, or supporting environmental initiatives."

In order to donate the proceeds from old cellphone sales, all users need to do is download and print a prepaid mailing label available on the website. After receiving the devices, ReCellular reimburses the charity generated for each phone. The value of this will depend on the model and current condition of the phone.

"Many people instinctively know they shouldn't throw their old phones away, but don't know what to do with them," Newman had added. "With Old Phones for Charity, we are offering consumers a compelling and convenient solution that benefits the environment and other important causes like breast cancer research."

ReCellular launched the ‘first of its kind’ Donate a Phone charitable recycling program in collaboration with the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association's (CTIA (News - Alert)) Wireless Foundation. Since its establishment, the program has generated around $50 million for charity. The company has also successfully launched programs with partners, such as Verizon Wireless, Motorola (News - Alert), Sprint and Best Buy.

Around 50 percent of the phones received by ReCellular are reused. While functional devices are refurbished and sold to wholesalers from over 40 countries, non-functional ones are dismantled and recycled based on Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more of his articles, please visit his columnist page .
 
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