Cell Phone Recycling FAQs
I only have 1 or 2 cell phones, where can I drop it off?
> EarthShare's Downtown Portland Office,
610 SW Broadway, Suite 308, Portland
> REI NW Pearl District (by entrance floor cashier desk)
> Oregonians Credit Union branches
How do I recycle cell phones at my office?
FedEx pre-labeled recycling collection boxes may be picked up at EarthShare's Downtown Portland office (or you can use a box from your office). If you need 5 or more boxes, we can have the boxes delivered to your doorstep. Promotional materials are available to ensure that your co-workers know about the opportunity to recycle their cell phones. This is a great way to encourage sustainable practices at work, celebrate Earth Day or complement your giving campaign.
Once the box begins to fill, or after a few weeks, simply call the FedEx telephone number on the pre-paid label and the phones will be picked-up and shipped directly to our recycler. You might want to offer collection to your employees once or twice each year.
What will happen to my old cell phone?
All of the phones we collect will be refurbished, reused or recycled. Our recycler, The Wireless Alliance is one of the largest recycler of used wireless phones and accessories in the wireless industry.
How are cell phones recycled?
Cell phones that cannot be refurbished or reused are recycled. Recycling a cell phone involves breaking it down into its components and salvaging as many parts as possible. Our vendor, The Wireless Alliance, is committed to the protection of the environment by efficiently recycling all of its electronic waste and is the leader in the secondary wireless industry in environmental practice and activities. Located in Boulder, Colorado, they are in compliance with all occupational and environmental regulations. In addition, The Wireless Alliance goes above and beyond the regulations and recommendations of these agencies to demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable environment.
How much money is raised by my old cell phone donation?
We average over $1.50 per phone. Older phones likely will not have any monetary value, but will be recycled.
Can I recycle old corporate cell phones?
Every time your company turns over cell phones or when one stops working, we’d like to have them. We will make sure they are refurbished, reused or recycled. Nothing will go to the landfill--cell phones that cannot be reused or refurbished will be broken down to their individual components and recycled.
I don’t want to start a collection but I have cell phones to recycle. What should I do?
Contact us via email, info@earthshare-oregon.org or call 503-223-9015 and arrange a time to drop them off at our office. If you have several boxes to donate, we can come pick them up from you.
