Cell Phone Recycling Program

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Quick Facts | Prepare for Recycling | Cell Phone Life Cycle

The Environmental Media Association (EMA) is launching a national campaign to recycle cell phones. Old phones can't be thrown away as they have parts that are considered toxic, so many of them end up gathering dust. Now it is easy to recycle your phones and help protect the environment.

Each phone we recycle will raise money for EMA's programs, including consumer education programs, PSAs and an environmental curriculum for schools.

Fill out the following information to authorize us to provide you with the pre-paid postage form. Just print out the form and mail off your phones today. And it's free!

Please make sure to read section about the Prepare Your Phone for Recycling.

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Terms & Conditions

CELL PHONE RECYCLING AGREEMENT

Electronic Recyclers International Inc. ("ERI" or "we") enables consumers to recycle their used cell phones, mobile phones, pagers, PDAs, battery chargers and accessories. A portion of the proceeds from ERI's cell phone recycling program benefit the Environmental Media Association or other similar not-for-profit organizations. We reserve the right to alter, cancel, or amend our services at our sole discretion.

Binding Agreement

This is a legally binding contract. By clicking on the box below, you are consenting to the terms and conditions provided in this Cell Phone Recycling Agreement ("Agreement"). The use of ERI's cell phone recycling service is governed by the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth in ERI's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which are incorporated by this reference. To the extent of any conflicts or inconsistencies between this Agreement and the Terms of Use and/or Privacy Policy, this Agreement shall govern. ERI reserves the right to amend this Agreement, the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy from time to time.

Recycling Program

ERI accepts and recycles all makes and models of cell phones, mobile phones, pagers, PDAs, battery chargers and related accessories. Any phones, devices or accessories sent to ERI that cannot be reused will be properly recycled in accordance with the applicable guidelines and regulations.

Responsibility to Disconnect Service

You are solely responsible for disconnecting service on any phone or device before sending it to ERI. One indicator that service has been disconnected is the inability to place a call (other than to 911 or other emergency service numbers). Please consult with your service provider for assistance in disconnecting your phone or device.

Responsibility for Phone Charges

ERI shall not be liable for any service or equipment charges accrued for any phone, device or accessory it receives from you, regardless of whether the charge was accrued before or after you sent it to ERI. You are responsible for all charges pertaining to any phone, device or accessory you send to ERI and you are responsible for resolving any dispute you may have with any wireless carrier or service provider.

Responsibility for Removal of Sensitive Data from Phone

ERI is not responsible for removing and will not be liable for the use of any personal information or sensitive data stored in the memory of any phone or device you send to ERI. You are solely responsible for removing any and all personal, confidential or otherwise sensitive data from all memory and removable memory before sending any phone or device to ERI. Examples of personal or sensitive information may be email addresses, phone numbers, addresses, digital images, electronic files, and the like. If you are unable to remove, or if you are unsure whether you have successfully removed, such data, please contact the manufacturer of your phone or device for assistance.

Privacy

Participation in ERI's cell phone recycling program requires that you provide us with certain personally identifiable information, such as your name and contact information. ERI reserves the right to use this information and to share this information with third parties for ERI's, its affiliates and/or others' marketing purposes. If you do not wish to have your personally identifiable information used in this way, please immediately contact ERI at privacy@electronicrecyclers.com.

Quick Facts:

  • The average consumer replaces their phone every 9 months
  • 75% of those old phones are sitting in drawers gathering dust
  • This means there are hundreds of millions of phones out there just waiting to be recycled.

Prepare for Recycling:

Three Things to remember:

  • Remove your SIM card.
  • Terminate your service.
  • Clear the phone's memory of stored information.
    • Conduct a factory hard reset by following instructions from your wireless carrier or the product manual; or
    • Use data erasing tools that are available on the Web.
  • For more information, contact your network provider, cell phone manufacturer, or the recycling program you plan to use.
Cell Phone Life Cycle

More Recycling Facts:

  • Recycling: An Easy Call
    Every day there are thousands of opportunities to recycle cell phones and accessories. Many cell phone retailers, manufacturers, and service providers have ongoing collection programs where phones can be dropped off or mailed in—regardless of the age or brand. Some charitable organizations and state or municipal solid waste programs also offer cell phone recycling. In most cases, cell phone recycling is free.
  • Recycling: A Green Call
    Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. Cell phones are made from precious metals, copper, and plastics—all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Recycling these materials not only conserves resources, but prevents air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, if all of the 100 million cell phones ready for end of life management in the U.S. are recycled, we could save enough energy to power more than 194,000 U.S. households with electricity for one year.
  • Recycling: A Social Call
    Donating your cell phone also benefits your community. When cell phones and accessories are in good working condition, some programs donate them to a number of worthy charities or provide them for discounted sale to those who need them. In addition, many recycling programs use the proceeds to raise funds for charitable organizations, schools, churches and other social causes. In some cases, programs buy the phone back from the consumer.