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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle my wireless device and if so, How do I do it?Yes! You can recycle your wireless device. All companies participating in Wireless…The New Recyclable™ allow you to drop off your used wireless phones and accessories at their retail stores, regardless of the model phone. Other programs have mail-in options. Go to the Participating Members for information about these and other options, such as eBay’s Rethink Initiative and charitable donations What is Wireless… The New Recyclable?Wireless…The New Recyclable™ is a national, voluntary recycling program the wireless industry has implemented to facilitate environmentally sound practices among carriers and manufacturers for the production and take-back of wireless devices, as well as to encourage consumers to recycle their wireless devices. Participants in Wireless…The New Recyclable™ program have also implemented take-back programs and operate these programs in accordance with the industry’s guidelines for the collection, transportation and recycling/materials recovery of wireless devices. To the extent that some collected phones are refurbished and resold, refurbishing guidelines are provided to encourage refurbishers to perform their activities in a manner that is environmentally responsible and compliant with applicable regulations. CTIA and its member companies participating in the Wireless…The New Recyclable™ program educate consumers by displaying informational material in retail locations, as well as on websites, and directing consumers to www.recyclewirelessphones.com, a central website that informs consumers about what can be recycled, why it is important to recycle and how and where they can do it. What should I do with my phone before I recycle it?Three things to remember before you recycle your wireless phone:
Can I recycle my mobile phone battery?Yes! You can drop off your wireless batteries along with your mobile phone, either in retail stores that collect wireless phones or through mail-in programs. Please go to the Participating Members section to get information on where you can recycle your wireless device and related batteries. Why should I recycle my wireless phone?It's easy, and it’s good for the environment! When used wireless phones are recycled, the component parts – such as plastics and precious metals – can be used in other products, from kitchen cabinets to circuitry boards. What happens to the materials that are recycled?Once a used wireless device is dropped off at a participating retail store, or mailed to a carrier or manufacturer with mail-in programs, the product will typically be packaged and shipped to a facility for evaluation. From there, it will be:
Are wireless devices designed in an environmentally responsible way?Yes! Wireless manufacturers are designing new phones to be more lightweight and environmentally friendly by phasing out the use of substances like lead and cadmium. The new generations of wireless devices currently weigh approximately 79g; this is 42% less than earlier models. Manufacturers of wireless devices are maximizing the use of recyclable materials and are increasingly designing for recyclability. Do the CTIA Guidelines Address the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations for Managing End-of-Life Electronics?Yes, the CTIA guidelines are intended to help companies adhere to all EPA requirements concerning the management and recycling of used electronic products. In some instances, the guidelines go beyond EPA regulations to help companies ensure the environmentally sound disposition of used wireless devices. Where can I drop off my wireless device for recycling?Many participating CTIA members have return or collection programs at their retail stores or other sites. Please visit the Participating Members section of this website to find a location near you. Local governments and communities also often organize periodic collection events for used consumer electronics. Although they do not participate in CTIA's program these events provide additional opportunities to recycle used wireless phones Which Wireless devices can be recycled under Wireless… The New Recyclable?Wireless...The New Recyclable seeks to promote the recycling and reuse of certain common wireless devices and accessories, including:
Participating CTIA members have a number of take back programs throughout the country. Please visit the Participating Members section of this website for more information regarding specific company collection programs and policies. |