ABOUT THE PROGRAM |
WHAT IS SHELTER ALLIANCE?
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN SHELTER ALLIANCE?
WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED?
DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SHELTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COLLECTION PROGRAM?
HOW DOES SHELTER ALLIANCE RECYCLE CELL PHONES?
IS SHELTER ALLIANCE A NON-PROFIT OR FOUNDATION? |
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PAYMENT |
HOW MUCH DOES SHELTER ALLIANCE PAY PER CELL PHONE?
DOES SHELTER ALLIANCE PAY FOR ALL CELL PHONES?
IS IT POSSIBLE TO EARN $200 PER PHONE?
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PAID PER CELL PHONE?
DO YOU HAVE A PRICELIST?
HOW LONG BEFORE WE GET A CHECK?
DO YOU SEND ME AN ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN FOR EACH SHIPMENT? |
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PACKING & SHIPPING |
WHO PAYS FOR THE SHIPPING?
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PACKING REQUIREMENTS?
DO YOU PROVIDE “CELL PHONE COLLECTION” BOXES?
SHOULD I COUNT, LIST, AND/OR ITEMIZE THE PHONES BEFORE I SHIP?
DO YOU TAKE THE BATTERIES?
DO YOU TAKE OTHER ACCESSORIES (TRANSFORMERS, CHARGING BASES, ETC.)?
HOW OFTEN CAN WE SHIP YOU PHONES? |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
IS THE MEMORY ERASED FROM THE PHONES?
ARE THERE ANY MEMBERSHIPS FEES OR OBLIGATIONS?
IS THERE A FEE OR CHARGE FOR POSTERS & MARKETING MATERIAL?
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM |
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WHAT IS SHELTER ALLIANCE? |
Shelter Alliance is the largest cell phone recycling program in the United States. Through this program, organizations of all types are able to raise funds through the collection and recycling of used cell phones. Since 2001, over 2500 organizations in 50 states have earned over $5,000,000 through the program.
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WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN SHELTER ALLIANCE? |
We offer three distinct programs:
- A COLLECTION PROGRAM, where organizations of all types collect cell phones for their own benefit. Click here to learn more.
- A DONATION PROGRAM, where businesses and individuals collect phones to benefit a nonprofit in their hometown. Click here to learn more
- A COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS PROGRAM, where students can earn community service hours through the collection of used cell phones for the benefit of a local domestic shelter. Click here to learn more
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WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED? |
We encourage you to learn more about our COLLECTION, DONATION, and COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS program, or call us at 866-744-1003.
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DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SHELTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COLLECTION PROGRAM? |
No. Shelter Alliance services all types of nonprofit organizations. We work with shelters, domestic violence organizations, social service providers, YWCAs, Salvation Armies, schools, religious organizations, and more.
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HOW DOES SHELTER ALLIANCE RECYCLE CELL PHONES? |
Approximately 70% of the collected phones are considered "viable" and are processed through our "Reuse" program. These phones are sold to markets worldwide. The reuse program is what has enabled Shelter Alliance to contribute $5,000,000 to social service organizations nationwide. Approximately 30% of the collected phones are considered "nonviable" and are processed through our "Refining" program. Click here to learn more about our Cell Phone Recycling Process
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IS SHELTER ALLIANCE A NON-PROFIT OR FOUNDATION? |
No. Shelter Alliance is a program of GRC Wireless Recycling, a private sector firm in Florida dedicated to wireless recycling. We have proudly dedicated our resources to social service fundraising efforts through the collection, resale, and recycling of cellular phones.
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PAYMENT |
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HOW MUCH DOES SHELTER ALLIANCE PAY PER CELL PHONE? |
Shelter Alliance pays up to $30 per phone (less frequently collected newer models may earn significantly more.)
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DOES SHELTER ALLIANCE PAY FOR ALL CELL PHONES? |
Yes. We pay a minimum of $.50 for all phones, regardless of age or condition.
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IS IT POSSIBLE TO EARN $200 PER PHONE? |
Shelter Alliance is aware that some recycling programs advertise “up to $200 per phone.” However, these models are the current models sold by cellular companies, and it is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that you will collect these phones from your community. As such, we believe it is misleading to make these claims. With the majority of collectable phones falling in the $2-$10 range, we are more comfortable with “up to $30.” However, be rest assured that we will pay “up to $200” per phone if the situation arises.
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WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PAID PER CELL PHONE? |
Shelter Alliance has received shipments averaging as high as $18.50, and we have received shipments averaging $1.25. There are a variety of factors that will determine your average phone price, particularly where and when the phones were collected. On average, you can expect to earn $2 - $4 per collected phone.
The employees of Shelter Alliance are experts in the wireless industry, and we make every commitment to pay as much as possible for phones received. We work with hundreds of markets around the world to ensure that we maximize the proceeds from the sale of this product (which in turn benefits the Shelter Alliance program).
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DO YOU HAVE A PRICELIST? |
We discontinued our pricelist based on feedback from our participants. Shelter Alliance receives over 1300 models of phones, with pricing changing monthly. Additionally, many cell phone models do not readily indicate the part number. Our participants found the use of a price list to be cumbersome and unproductive. Shelter Alliance ACCEPTS AND PAYS FOR ALL PHONES, so there is no need to determine if a phone “qualifies.” Furthermore, we commit to industry leading pricing, and we are available to discuss current prices for specific models.
Please call us at 866-744-1003 or e-mail us at info@shelteralliance.net if you have any questions about pricing.
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HOW LONG BEFORE WE GET A CHECK? |
Shelter Alliance will issue and mail a check within two weeks of processing your shipment. You are always welcome to call or e-mail to learn about the status of your shipment.
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DO YOU SEND ME AN ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN FOR EACH SHIPMENT? |
Shelter Alliance will include a complete and detailed itemized breakdown of all phones received in a particular shipment. This will include model, quantity, amount paid, and total. Our accountability to you and your organization for each and every phone received is of utmost importance to our organization.
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PACKING & SHIPPING |
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WHO PAYS FOR THE SHIPPING? |
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Shelter Alliance pays for shipments of all sizes.
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DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PACKING REQUIREMENTS? |
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N0. Our shipping process is simple and straightforward. When you sign up with a program, you will receive packing instructions in your “welcome kit”.
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DO YOU PROVIDE “CELL PHONE COLLECTION” BOXES? |
No. We do not do this for three important reasons:
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COLLECTION BOXES LEAD TO THEFT WHEN ON DISPLAY: Based on our experience and participant feedback, publicly displayed collection boxes lead to lost or stolen phones. |
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COLLECTION BOXES LEAD TO THEFT DURING SHIPMENT: Based on our experience, decorative boxes that indicate “cell phone collection” will lead to theft during shipment. Why? It is obvious there are items of value inside the box. |
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NEW COLLECTION BOXES VIOLATE OUR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY: Our dedication to the environment extends to all aspects of our business, including the use of collection boxes. With millions of boxes already available for shipping, it would be irresponsible to produce new boxes for this purpose. The “re-use” of boxes is essential to the preservation of our forests. |
We suggest that you use any type of sturdy cardboard box for shipping, such as readily available “copy paper” boxes. Additionally, be sure to place your collection box behind a counter or desk (for security purposes), and publicize your collection with our beautiful posters.
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SHOULD I COUNT, LIST, AND/OR ITEMIZE THE PHONES BEFORE I SHIP? |
Although the final decision is yours, we suggest that you leave this process to us. We receive thousands of shipments per month, and our familiarity with the product makes it easier for us to process (and lightens your burden). As stated above, you will receive an itemized breakdown with your payment, and you are always welcome to call to discuss the results. Our accountability to you and your organization for each and every phone received is of utmost importance to our organization.
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DO YOU TAKE THE BATTERIES? |
Yes, we need the batteries and the battery covers (battery covers are the plastic “back” of the phone that covers the battery.)
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DO YOU TAKE OTHER ACCESSORIES (TRANSFORMERS, CHARGING BASES, ETC.)? |
As a general rule, we do not accept transformers, charging bases, cigarette plugs, earpieces, or manuals. Our company focus is handset and battery recycling.
Most county disposal/trash facilities will accept the charger/charger bases that Shelter Alliance does not take. Check with your local waste management agency regarding what regulations are required in your area. Many of our shelter partners successfully minimize the collection of these items when the product is actually collected, by telling the public "we only need the phone and the battery."
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HOW OFTEN CAN WE SHIP YOU PHONES? |
We appreciate it if you wait until your collection box is full before shipping to us.
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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IS THE MEMORY ERASED FROM THE PHONES? |
The "memory" in the phones is erased during the reuse/reactivation process. The information below explains the procedures involved. |
VIABLE PHONES (phones processed through our Reuse Programs.) |
Activation Test: |
Viable phones are "activation" tested. An activation test determines if the phone is currently active with an operator (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) If an active phone is found (which is rare, far less than 1%), the phone is immediately deactivated or recycled. |
Reprogramming: |
The memory on the phones is erased during the reprogramming process performed by the selected refurbishment & distribution partners of Shelter Alliance. (Industry FACT - in order for a retired phone to be reused, various country and operator codes MUST be programmed into the phones. This process, which is usually done by a computer, erases all prior user data.) |
NON-VIABLE PHONES (phones processed through our Refining Program.) |
Refining:: |
Non-viable phones are crushed and shredded by smelters that pledge the most environmentally responsible recycling procedures. Click here to learn more about Shelter Alliance's pledge to the environment. |
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ARE THERE ANY MEMBERSHIPS FEES OR OBLIGATIONS? |
No. There are no membership fees, forms, obligations, or time limits.
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IS THERE A FEE OR CHARGE FOR POSTERS & MARKETING MATERIAL? |
No. We provide an nice selection of posters to our participants free of charge. You can download material in our "Marketing Materials", or call us for pre-printed posters.
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