Overview
Electronic waste is a growing concern for all of us. As more
and more consumer electronics are discarded, it is important that
we take responsibility by reducing our impact on the environment
by recycling as many of these electronic items as possible.
According to market analysts, by the end of 2007, the number of
mobile phones stockpiled in the United States is expected to
exceed 750 million, and that number is projected to grow by an
additional 150 million per year
thereafter.
Only about 5% of retired mobile phones are currently being
recycled. Most are being stored. When deciding what to do with
your used mobile phone, please keep in mind that mobile phones
contain hazardous substances. We want to spread the word about the
dangers of discarded mobile phones, and to encourage all mobile
phone owners to recycle their used phones.
More than Just Cartridges
Electronic waste is a growing concern for
all of us. As more and more consumer electronics are
discarded, it is important that we take responsibility by
reducing our impact on the environment by recycling as
many of these electronic items as possible.
Where others recyclers only
collect a limited variety of used phones, Recycle Free provides a complete recycling
service for all mobile phones - including digital, analog
and even the old bag phones. every make, model, and
type of mobile phone. This includes all the older analog
phones as well as digital phones, and includes recycling
all of your old accessories as well!
Recycle Free has partnered with some of
the leading global recyclers in the mobile
phone recycling industry. Through our team efforts, we
have created this program with you in mind. We have
provided you with free shipping throughout the United States.
It's estimated that every month Americans retire
more than 10 million cell phones when they upgrade or change
their service. Most people don't know what to do with their old
phone so they just stash it in a drawer or closet and forget
about it. Our mission is to help you recycle your old mobile
phone responsibly, put a few bucks in your pocket, and help
provide funds for recycling programs.
PDA's & Pagers
As PDA's become ever so popular and Pagers hold their own,
Recycle Free can now accept these items for recycling in
conjunction with our mobile phone collection program. Simply place them in the mobile phone collection kits in an effort
to divert them from the landfills.
What about the Accessories?
We will not be recycling the phone accessories (i.e.
- phone chargers, ac adaptors, cords). You can still send them to us
and that is okay.
However, here is a tip: Fundraising organizations
can collect these accessories and resale them at less than 50% of
their suggested retail price.
This opportunity is great for PTA's, church groups,
youth & scout groups, etc. Many mobile phone users need replacement
accessories. Why shouldn't you make some money?
What Happens to the Phones?
Recycle Free will do their best to ensure that all spare mobile
phones are recycled accordingly.
The list below contains the four
most common dispositions for the mobile phones we collect:
Distributed to Charitable
Organizations
Some mobile phones are used to provide funds and working
mobile phones to non-profit charitable organizations. They
help provide emergency communications to those in need which
support our 911 emergency phone bank.
Refurbished and Distributed in
the United States
The mobile phones are commonly refurbished and
distributed for sale
as a used phone within the US. Many insurance companies utilize
these mobile phones as replacement units under warranty care or
insurance replacement plans.
Refurbished and Distributed in
Foreign Countries
The mobile phones are commonly refurbished and distributed
throughout developing countries in many areas including Latin
America, where landlines are too expensive for most people to
acquire.
Extraction of Precious Metals
Damaged mobile phones with little or no value are
broken down in an effort to extract
precious metals.
