AT&T (News - Alert) is transitioning to smaller and eco-friendly packaging for its wireless device accessories. AT&T has also released a set of requirements for manufacturers of mobile phones to reduce the environmental impact of future handsets. 

According to earth911.com, recycling one ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space, and recycling one ton of paper saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space. As AT&T estimates that the packaging improvements for device chargers, cases, batteries and data cables will help to avoid more than 200 tons of wasted plastic and paper in 2010, it is possible to avoid more than 1,100 cubic yards of landfill space. 

AT&T is working with suppliers of mobile phone accessories to use less plastic and paper in packaging. In addition, the packaging for protective phone cases and car chargers will change to slimmer packaging. It is expected that these changes will eliminate more than 60 percent of the paper and more than 30 percent of the plastic previously used for accessory products. 

According to Bradley, senior vice president for Devices at AT&T, the improvements will significantly reduce the impact of packaging on the environment. This is a small but meaningful next step that AT&T decided to take. Bradley added that AT&T is pleased to deliver new packaging alternatives that are recycled, can be recycled and generate less waste. 

In 2009, AT&T introduced significant environmental requirements and goals associated with the manufacturing of new wireless devices to be sold by AT&T. The requirements, developed in cooperation with mobile phone manufacturers, began to take effect for new wireless phones this year. These requirements state that suppliers will be required to reduce packaging, use non-petroleum based inks and use recycled materials for in-box documentation of new devices; 75% of new devices will be at least 65 percent recyclable; a majority of new devices will comply with the GSMA (News - Alert) Universal Charging Solution; all new devices will be compliant with the European Unions' Restriction of Hazardous Substances mandate; and that suppliers will be required to assert all devices delivered to AT&T have avoided virgin materials mined in conflict zones within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

AT&T also supports the environment through recycling, alternative fuels and a focus on energy. Every AT&T company-owned retail stores accept wireless phones for recycling. In addition, AT&T is planning to invest up to $565 million to deploy more than 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles through 2018. AT&T also works to enhance energy performance and reduce energy consumption.