Cell Phones, Ink Cartridges Raise Funds for Charity

A recycling challenge is turning used cell phones, ink jet cartridges and laser toners into financial support, funding clinical services for people with developmental disabilities in the New York State area.

The recycling program is sponsored by Easter Seals New York - Western Region and EnviroSmart, a division of Nu-kote International.

The challenge is designed to make it as easy as possible for people to participate. Used materials can be dropped off at free collection boxes located at businesses throughout the Rochester and New York area. A complete list of locations is available online at www.ny.easter-seals.western.org. 

Businesses and individuals throughout New York that cannot make it to one of the collection sites can send their used cell phones, ink jet cartridges and laser toners directly to the Easter Seals office, 249 W. Commercial St., East Rochester, NY 14445 through April 22.

In the last 10 years, the EnviroSmart program has paid more than $17 million to businesses, schools and charities that help them collect the used phones and cartridges. Returned cartridges are refilled and refreshed so they can be used again.