Founded in 1984, CTIA (News - Alert)-the Wireless Association is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. The association encourages the industry’s voluntary best practices and initiatives. One of the major objectives of CTIA- is to raise consumer awareness about the wireless industry’s commitment to creating a low-carbon economy.

To keep with its ongoing efforts, the CTIA has recently announced that it will recognize the entire moth of April as the “green” month. Throughout the month, CTIA’s blogs will keep on featuring informative videos, podcasts and updates that highlight the sector’s eco-friendly initiatives and contributions.

“Eco-friendly initiatives and contributions by our members and programs such as the EPA’s are clearly making a difference in encouraging millions of U.S. wireless subscribers to reduce their carbon footprint by recycling their old wireless devices and accessories,” said Steve Largent (News - Alert), president and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association. “We encourage consumers to take advantage of the thousands of convenient drop-off locations, including all major wireless carrier retail stores, which collect wireless phones and accessories.”

In addition, CTIA is supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s, or 'EPA,' National Cell Phone (News - Alert) Recycling Week from April 5th  to11th. It will be worthwhile to mention here that the EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling program is a joint program that combines the leading cell phone manufacturers, retailers and service providers to raise national awareness about the importance of cell phone recycling.

Thanks to many such initiatives, increasing number of cell phone or wireless device users have started to pay heed to the recycling aspects of their cell phones and wireless accessories.

MyWireless.org (News - Alert), the wireless consumer advocacy organization, released a survey in March 2010 that came up with interesting findings:

• The survey has found out that more than 85 percent of Americans polled were aware their cell phones or wireless devices were recyclable.
• Then almost 69 percent knew their wireless accessories were recyclable.
• In addition, more than 71 percent were aware of recycling programs that would accept their used wireless products.
• Finally, almost 60 percent of those polled had recycled or donated an old or no longer in-service wireless device or accessory.

Most of the major carrier companies in the US have their independent recycling programs. In addition to that, the wireless industry voluntarily developed a nationwide recycling campaign called “Wireless…The New Recyclable” back in 2003.

This public outreach campaign involved an in-store phone take-back program that allows consumers to bring their used wireless devices and accessories to carrier retail outlets for recycling purposes. Interested consumers can learn more about this program by visiting www.recyclewirelessphones.com.