Cell Phone Recycling and the Environment




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Shelter Alliance processes cell phones through a "3R" blend of Recovery, Re-use, and Refining. Here’s how it works:

1. RECOVERY: How Shelter Alliance obtains the phones.

The recycling process begins with the recovery of cell phones through our collection and donation programs.

2. REUSE: Finding a new home for retired phones.

Approximately 60% of recovered cell phones have resale value as a refurbished cell phone. Through our Reuse program, Shelter Alliance distributes recovered cell phones to wireless markets in need of inexpensive refurbished cell phones. The reuse of used retired electronics is applauded by many environmentalists as an essential step in the electronics recycling process.

3. REFINING: How we process “non-reusable” cell phones.

Approximately 40% of recovered cell phones do not have resale value, and are processed through our environmentally responsible “Refining” program. Our Refining program oversees the shredding, smelting, and metals refining of these non-reusable cell phones.

In recent years, environmental groups have revealed the destructive environmental effects resulting from the export of non-operational electronics to underdeveloped countries. A report entitled "Exporting Harm - The High Tech Trashing Asia" revealed extremely hazardous "recycling" operations that pollute the water and soil of Asian countries, most notably with lead and arsenic. This report, prepared by the Basel Action Network (www.ban.org) and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition in 2002, reveals how many families bathe and drink from the same water polluted by the unregulated burning and dumping of electronic components.

In response, Shelter Alliance established an environmental policy that complies with the mandates of the Basel Action Network (www.ban.org) and the EPA’s Guidelines for Materials Management. Our policy is highlighted by the following:

	NO LANDFILL FOR E-WASTE: No wireless e-waste (non-working handsets, boards, batteries, and accessories) will be sent to solid waste landfills.
	NO E-WASTE SENT TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: No wireless e-waste will be processed in developing countries. Shelter Alliance will make every conceivable effort to ensure that all downstream smelting and refining operations meet all applicable environmental regulations.
	RESPONSIBLE BATTERY RECYCLING: Batteries are processed according to EPA guidelines for the proper disposal and recycling of rechargeable batteries.

Shelter Alliance's environmental memberships and credentials include:

E-Steward, Basel Action Network (www.ban.org)
Member, International Association of Electronics Recyclers (www.iaer.org)
Endorser, EPA WasteWise program (www.epa.gov/wastewise)

Cell Phone Recycling Fundraising Total: Over $5,000,000

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