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One Old Cell Phone in a Landfill is One Too Many(Canada Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Recycle My Cell makes it easy for Canadians to do their part for Earth Day 2014 OTTAWA, April 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Recycle My Cell, Canada's free cell phone recycling program, is calling on Canadians from coast to coast to recycle their old cell phones and accessories in support of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22. Almost 582,000 devices were recovered through the Recycle My Cell program in 2013. Results from the 2013 National Cell Phone Recycling Study released today show that while Canadians replace their wireless device approximately every 30 months, only 10% of survey respondents recycled their old device when they purchased a new one, with 42% putting the old device in storage. Canadians can participate in Earth Day by visiting the bilingual Web site - www.RecycleMyCell.ca and www.Recyclemoncell.ca - and enter their postal code to locate the 10 drop-off locations closest to them where their old wireless devices will be accepted, regardless of brand or condition. If a consumer cannot get to one of the drop-off locations in their neighborhood, the Web site offers printable postage-paid labels that can be used to mail the device back to Recycle My Cell at absolutely no cost to the consumer. The Web site also provides information about the program, facts and figures on e-waste, FAQs and links to provincial e-waste management sites. There is also a downloadable brochure and information about how consumers can clear their device of all personal data before dropping it off for recycling. Other notable findings from the 2013 National Cell Phone Recycling Study include: Nearly half of survey respondents (49% nationally) report knowing about cell phone recycling programs. Satisfaction of those who utilize the Recycle My Cell continues to be high, with 96% of respondents citing a positive experience. "Canadians are world leaders in the way they embrace new technology, particularly when it comes to wireless devices," said Bernard Lord, President & CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA). "It is also our responsibility to be world leaders in protecting our environment for generations to come. There is simply no reason that an old cell phone should ever end up in a landfill." All of the processors involved in the Recycle My Cell program are ISO certified or verified to be operating in conformance with the requirements of the Electronics Recycling Standard (ERS), so they all have environmental management systems in place that guarantee accountability and knowledge of the environmental impacts associated with recycling. The Recycle My Cell program also supports numerous local and national charities through the proceeds from the recycled devices. "In recognition of Earth Day, we join in encouraging Canadians to recycle their used mobile devices which will not only help reduce the growing e-waste in Canada's landfills, but also generate much needed funds for mental health initiatives across the country," said Peter Coleridge, National CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association. Businesses and community organizations can also support the Recycle My Cell program by hosting a drop-off location. Registration is quick and easy and all set-up materials are provided at no cost. For more information, please visit http://www.recyclemycell.ca/host-a-drop-off-location/ or contact [email protected]. Recycle My Cell was created and is maintained by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) in conjunction with cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers who have come together to raise awareness about the importance of cell phone recycling. The program's partners include: Bell, BlackBerry, Eastlink, GEEP Inc., GREENTEC, LG Electronics Canada, Inc., Lynx Mobility, MTS, Nokia, ProMobility, Rogers Communications, Samsung Electronics Canada Inc., SaskTel, Sims Recycling Solutions, Sony of Canada, Tbaytel, TELUS, Videotron, and Virgin Mobile Canada. Canadians can contact a Recycle My Cell representative by e-mail at [email protected], or call toll-free at 1-888-797-1740. About Recycle My Cell Recycle My Cell is Canada's national recycling program for mobile phones and accessories. The bilingual Web site - www.RecycleMyCell.ca and www.Recyclemoncell.ca - allows consumers to simply enter their postal code to locate the 10 drop-off locations closest to them where their devices will be accepted, regardless of brand or condition. The free program is run by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), in conjunction with cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers, who have come together to raise awareness about the importance of cell phone recycling. Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. SOURCE Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association |