Get Cash for Recycling Your Cell Phone
Though the percentage is a bit higher in the U.S. at 10 percent, it's still dramatically low for a nation where recycling programs are readily available. Photo: Flickr/AMERICANVIRUS
It’s estimated that just 1 percent of the 4 billion wireless users worldwide recycle their cell phones after use.
A new company, eRecyclingCorps, believes the low recycling rate may have something to do with convenience. Make it more convenient for people to recycle those phones – while offering a financial reward at the same time – and recycling participation may increase.
The program has created a simple way for companies to reward consumers at the point of sale for recycling their used mobile phones.
Currently implemented in more than 2,500 retail locations, the program allows consumers to receive discounts on retail purchases equivalent to the value of their used handset device.
A recent research study found that 98 percent of consumers who had not yet recycled their handsets indicated they were willing to, but only in return for some compensation, whether that be cash, store credit or a tax deduction.
“The message is clear,” said ABI Research technology industry analyst Michael Morgan. “Many consumers in the U.S. are prepared to help the environment by recycling their old handsets, but only if there is a financial incentive to do so. Virtue is not the reward in this case. Operators wishing to present a ‘green’ public face – and the survey’s results also show that consumers increasingly favor those that do – should factor these attitudes into their recycling schemes.”
Though we’re not advocating consumers only recycle when rewarded, it is important to try and find reasons why cell phone recycling remains consistently low year after year, despite dramatic increases in recycling programs. If convenience and incentive are reasons that could lead to increased recycling, this program and others like it, may just be on to something.
eRecyclingCorps was started by industry experienced individuals, including the former CEO of RadioShack and the former President and COO of Sprint, both whom have seen the ecological consequences of the wireless industry’s success.
“The unprecedented growth in the global wireless industry has transformed the way people live, work and play,” said eRecyclingCorps Founder and CEO David Edmondson. “The unintended consequence of that growth is a mountain of toxic environmental e-waste.”
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- ABI Research.(12/07/2009). Handset Recycling? http://www.abiresearch.com/press/1560-Handset+Recycling%3F+%93Show+Us+the+Money%94+Say+a+Majority+of+US+Consumers+in+ABI+Research+Survey.
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.
phone recycling fanatic
posted on March 25th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
nice article, lori, and something very close to my heart!
not only is it better for the environment, it really helps people in developing countries when you recycle your phone (most end up in these places). take a look at iqbal qadir’s TED talk if you’re interested.
jim
Jesse
posted on March 26th, 2010 at 6:11 am
http://www.Cellitused.com is another great place to recycle phones and ipods or electronics, they just launched a new web site that is very user friendly!
Desiree
posted on April 8th, 2010 at 6:38 am
http://www.avbrecycle.com for all your Cell Phone and Inkjet Recycling needs.
See list for convienent drop locations or items can be mailed in directly. 100% of the net proceeds are provided back to the organization or charity of your choice. AVB Recycle accepts working, non-working, with or without accessories! Fundraisers can be set up for your group to raise funds in this easy recycling manner!
Hilton
posted on April 21st, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Thank you Lori for the info. you are the best.