FAQ's about the Ecophones program.

Founded in 2001, EcoPhones is a leader in cellular phone, ink jet printer cartridge, DVD movie, DVD video game, portable DVD player, laptop / notebook computer, MP3 player, digital picture frame, digital camera, digital video recorder, GPS device and video game console recycling & fundraising. Working with over 22,000 educational, civic and religious organizations throughout the United States, EcoPhones is pioneering the large scale collection of electronic waste through its innovative EcoPhones Drive® concept. By offering a simple, no-cost fundraising solution while at the same time safeguarding the environment, EcoPhones is truly the Future Of Fundraising®.

What is a ‘qualifying' cell phone?
Qualifying phones are phones that we pay for and include both working and non-working cell phones. As a general rule they are limited to those specified on our most recent cell phone purchase price list . Prices on this list reflect working phones only. Working phones are phones that power up, possess an undamaged LCD screen, make a test call and are not cracked or otherwise damaged. Non-working phone models that appear on the list will be credited 20% of the corresponding working phone price. Working and non-working phones not included on the list are accepted and may be still eligible for credit.

What happens to any information stored in the cell phones?
Many of the cell phones we receive are destroyed and recycled according to EPA guidelines by our partner, Recycle Alliance of America , a subsidiary of Waste Management . This process effectively destroys all information stored in the cell phones. In the event a cell phone is refurbished and resold for reuse each phone is 'flashed', i.e. software unlocks each phone enabling it to be reprogrammed. This process wipes the phone's memory clean and enables a new number to be assigned. However, EcoPhones strongly recommends that donors clear the memories on their cell phones of any sensitive private information before donating them. In addition, donors should always ensure the service on any cell phone they donate has been disconnected, to prevent fraudulent use. EcoPhones will not be responsible for any information left stored in the memories of phones donated or their fraudulent use.

Do you accept accessories such as batteries and chargers?
As cell phone batteries account for the majority of harmful substances related to cellular phone waste EcoPhones encourages you to include phone batteries in your shipments. We would prefer not to receive all other accessories such as chargers, cases, ear microphones, etc. and we will charge back the shipping costs ($20) related to boxes that primarily contain accessories. We realize that individuals often donate the accessories with the phone and it is a well-intended gesture. Unfortunately, these accessories are often heavy / bulky and very expensive to ship. Our program cannot support the shipping and recycling costs of these items, which is why they are excluded from the program. Please recycle these items locally and responsibly.

What is an 'analog' cell phone?
As a rule, analog phones are larger, bulkier and heavier than digital phones. Colors are usually limited to black, grey or beige. They are also old since all manufacturers discontinued producing analog models in the mid-1990s.

Digital phones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Compared with analog cell phones, digital phones are lightweight, have more sleek designs, slim batteries, smaller keypads and come in a variety of colors. In addition, many are clearly identified with the word “Digital” on the face.

Why are cell phones so harmful to the environment?
According to INFORM, Inc. , an independent environmental research organization, the improper disposal of cellular phones poses a serious threat to the environment. For example, did you know that cell phones contain toxic substances including Arsenic, Antimony, Beryllium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc. (NOTE: The cadmium from a single phone is capable of polluting 158,200 gallons of water or the equivalent of 1.2 million 16-ounce coffees.) These toxic substances either leach into soil and groundwater from landfills or form highly toxic dioxins & furans during incineration associated with certain types of cancer and a range of reproductive, neurological and developmental disorders especially in children. Over 65 million cellular phones are already stockpiled in U.S. households creating 30,000 tons of potentially hazardous waste. With the average American replacing his/her cell phones every 12 months the problem is only growing worse. By 2005, an estimated 130 million cellular phones will be discarded annually in the U.S. alone.

How can I tell the difference between a digital phone and an analog phone?
Approximately 90% of all cell phones retired each year are digital. Digital phones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Compared with analog cell phones, digital phones are lightweight, have more sleek designs, slim batteries, smaller keypads and come in a variety of colors. In addition, many are clearly identified with the word “Digital” on the face. As a rule, analog phones are larger, bulkier and heavier than digital phones. Colors are usually limited to black, grey or beige. They are also old since all manufacturers discontinued producing analog models in the mid-1990s.

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