Recycling Wireless Phones
Everyone loves a new wireless device. So, what do you do when the object of your wireless affection becomes yesterday’s news? Recycle or donate it to a charitable cause! Today, it is easier than ever to take-back your used wireless phone to one of the thousands of wireless retail stores and other collection sites for recycling or donation to a charitable cause!Did You Know...
There is a voluntary, national program - Wireless...The New Recyclable - to recycle wireless phones and accessories. Regardless of what wireless service provider you use or the type of phone you have, you can drop used wireless devices at any of the participant’s retail stores, and some locations even have mail-in options. You can also recycle all of your wireless accessories, including batteries, chargers and headsets.
Once a used wireless device is dropped off for donation or recycling, the product will typically be packaged and shipped to a facility for evaluation. From there, it will be:
- Reused: If wireless devices and accessories are in good working condition, they are re-used by a number of worthy charities.
- Refurbished: Wireless devices may be reconditioned or repaired. Companies often refurbish the products and return the devices to service.
- Recycle/Recovered: When wireless devices reach their end-of-life, they are sent to processing facilities that recover and safely recycle reusable materials.
It’s easy! Just drop your wireless phone and accessories at any participating wireless location. They will direct your used phone to a good charity or recycling service.
When a used wireless phone is recycled, its plastics and precious metals are reintroduced into other products. Components for wireless phones are reused in everything from plastic milk jugs to circuitry boards.
If your wireless phone has outlived its use altogether, Wireless...The New Recyclable will ensure the safe and effective recycling of your wireless phone and its accessories. All of the device’s basic components are disposed of in accordance with U.S. environmental laws.
No matter what kind of wireless device you have, you can do the right thing for the environment – and for others – by recycling your wireless phone and accessories.
Three things to remember before you drop your wireless phone in a recycling bin:
- Terminate your service,
- Clear the phone’s memory of contacts and other stored information, and
- Remove your phone’s SIM card, if it has one. If you are not sure whether or not your phone has a SIM card, contact your wireless service provider for assistance.