Verizon Wireless was the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cell phones to protect the environment, and has done so since 1999, but even more inspiring, the proceeds from recycling and selling older wireless phones have been donated to assist survivors of domestic violence…
"Domestic violence awareness and education has been the company’s chief community focus since 1995 so it made perfect sense to encourage customers to donate their older equipment to aid domestic violence survivors when they upgraded to newer models," said Charles Hand, president of the company’s New York Metro Region. "Today, more than eight years later, our HopeLine(R) wireless phone recycling program is incredibly successful."
Since 1999, the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program has collected more than 3.5 million wireless phones, and given $2 million in cash grants and nearly $10 million in wireless phones and service to domestic violence organizations. Phones that cannot be refurbished are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
In addition, HopeLine includes free wireless service and voice mailboxes for survivors, community and corporate awareness initiatives, and a bilingual "Invest in Yourself" program designed to help survivors re-enter the workforce.
One month from today, a New York State law takes effect requiring wireless phone retailers to accept and recycle old cell phones. In recognition of the New York law (effective 1/1/07), and to encourage even greater participation in HopeLine recycling, Verizon Wireless will donate $5 to local domestic violence shelters for each wireless phone donated at Verizon stores in New York during January 2007.
New York residents and visitors can donate old wireless phones, batteries and accessories of any make or model, from any wireless carrier, at any of the 133 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in New York State, including 57 in New York Metro. Wireless phone donations also continue to be accepted at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores throughout the country.
"With this new law, there will be many more options available to New Yorkers interested in recycling wireless phones," said Hand. "We encourage them to donate those old phones and accessories to HopeLine, where they will make a difference in the lives of families scarred by domestic violence."
For Verizon Wireless Communications Store locations or to order a phone donation kit by mail, visit Hopeline.