Poll Shows 61.7% Consumers Stash Used Phones In Drawers.

Ever wonder what to do with your used wireless phone? Don’t stash it in a drawer – especially when it’s so easy to put it to good use. The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) is urging consumers to donate their used wireless phones to help others, or to recycle them in an environmentally sound way.

“Wireless phones are so innovative and so affordable, it’s no wonder that consumers routinely swap their handsets for newer models. Especially during this holiday season, there are shelves full of new phones in every shape, size and color, with games, music, cameras, video and more,” said Steve Largent, President & CEO of CTIA. “The wireless industry is making it easy for consumers to drop off used phones at retail stores when they’re out shopping. Whether you’re buying a wireless phone as a gift or transferring your phone number to a new wireless phone, remember to put your used phone to good use.”

A recent reader poll conducted by Wireless Week found that almost 62% slip their used wireless phones into drawers, instead of donating or recycling them. So, CTIA is urging everyone to retrieve those devices and donate them to help others, or recycle them in an environmentally sound way. It’s easy! Here’s how:

Wireless Foundation’s DONATE A PHONE® Program

The DONATE A PHONE® program recycles used wireless phones to raise funds for a variety of charities. Most phones are resold as economical alternatives to new phones. Other phones are refurbished and become lifelines for domestic violence victims facing emergency situations. The rest are safely recycled in accordance with all applicable U.S. environmental regulations. To learn how to donate your old wireless phone, go to www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateAPhone/index.cfm.

“Wireless…The New Recyclable” Program

Through its “Wireless . . . The New Recyclable” program, CTIA is educating the public on the convenient options available for properly recycling used wireless devices. The program promotes the collection of used wireless devices and ensures that collected wireless products will be managed in an environmentally sound way. Wireless phones, devices, chargers, and accessories are all recyclable – so clean out your drawers today!

To learn more about recycling used wireless devices, go to http://www.recyclewirelessphones.com