Call to Recycle Cell Phones

By 2005, roughly 200 million cell phones will be in use in the USA, and approximately 130 million phones will be retired each year, according to INFORM. A survey conducted by Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries, reveals that more than 70% of respondents are unaware that cell phones are recyclable, though nearly 90% indicated they would do so if provided with convenient drop-off points.

RBRC's Call2Recycle, the first nationwide cell phone and rechargeable battery recycling program, aims to give cell phone users the ability to do just that. Call2Recycle features more than 30,000 collection locations across the nation where consumers can drop off old cell phones, whether the phones are in working condition or not. The rechargeable batteries in the phones will be recycled through RBRC's existing retail channels. Cell phones collected through the Call2Recycle program will be refurbished, recycled or resold when possible by ReCellular, with a portion of proceeds to be donated to national charities.

"Our survey showed that Americans are ready and willing to help the environment by donating their used cell phones. Until now, most of them just didn't know how," said Ralph Millard, executive vice president, RBRC. "Call2Recycle will remove additional electronic waste from the nation's landfills while benefiting charity. Participation is easy and free, and will greatly help the environment."

RBRC's recent survey of over 1,000 Americans revealed some startling statistics. For example, the average American adult owns a total of 2.4 cell phones. More than 26% of those surveyed own 3 or more cell phones and over 56% of those surveyed still have their old cell phones.

Since 1994, RBRC has collected more than 22 million lbs. of rechargeable batteries - those found in a growing list of portable electronics products including cell phones, power tools, cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders and remote control toys."

Posted to the site on 23rd April 2004