"Dropping off an old phone is an easy way to celebrate Earth Day," Mike Lanman, Florida region president for Verizon Wireless, says. "Participation in our phone recycling program already has kept tons of waste out of the environment, and it results in many benefits for the community."
Last year, Verizon reports that it collected for proper disposal and/or recycling approximately 750,000 wireless phones that otherwise would have ended up in landfills in Florida and around the nation. Since 2001, Verizon Wireless recycling efforts have kept more than 250 tons of electronics waste and batteries from potentially impacting the environment.
In addition to the environmental benefits, many of the collected phones will be refurbished and donated, along with free airtime and cash contributions, to domestic violence shelters and agencies in Florida through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine(SM) program. In 2004, Verizon Wireless provided more than $100,000 in cash and services to domestic violence organizations across the state.
"Recycling revenue comes right back to Florida shelters and support organizations through our HopeLine(SM) program," Lanman says. "So contributing an old phone creates a great cycle of benefits for our communities."
In addition to visiting a Verizon Wireless store, residents may send old phones and accessories to Verizon Wireless HopeLine, c/o ReCellular Inc., 2555 Bishop Circle W., Dexter, MI 48130.
For additional information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Bedminster, N.J. and is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone. Additional information is available on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.
Marking its 10th anniversary in 2005, HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider then refurbishes and sells or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence, providing financial support and essential communication tools such wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at any Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. Additional information is available online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.