Cellular Recycler

Our mission is to create sustainable and successful electronics trade-in and EOL recycling programs for carriers, non-profits and businesses. In 2012, approximately 15 pounds of used electronics were generated per capita worldwide – but less than 20% were recycled.* The faster we can get those used electronics back into use – or recycled the right way – the better it is for all of us. That means higher profits for carriers. More fundraising options for non-profits. More data protection for corporations. And it’s pretty awesome for Earth too. (Source: SERI 2014)

Electronics recycling built from the ground up

You need serious capacity to handle 1,100 makes and models of cell phones and over 5,000 different types of out-of-date electronics. Cellular Recycler has built a ground up infrastructure in Boulder, Colorado. We’re proud to have kept an estimated 3 million phones and over 1 million accessories out of landfills.

WE ARE RESPONSIBLE RECYCLERS

We hold the R2/RIOS certification, which ensures our testing, training, data clearing, inventory, and quality control exceed industry standards. Every certified R2 recycler is rigorously audited by an independent third-party in more than 50 areas of operational and environmental performance. R2/RIOS also ensures that each handset, hard drive and SD card is data cleared to the NIST’s special publication 800-88 guidelines for media sanitation.

YOUR CONCERNS ARE OUR CONCERNS

At Cellular Recycler, we care about: Data security for devices that hold personal memory. Environmental practices involving worker safety and materials handling. Proper e-waste disposal of material to licensed and permitted facilities. Remarketing and reuse by testing key functions and maximizing resale value. We commit our time and resources to make sure your customers, employees and supporters are meeting your environmental objectives.

ENVIRONMENT

Used electronics are one of the fastest growing segments of the waste stream. And they contain materials that are hazardous to the environment and human health if not handled responsibly. In 2012, approximately 15 pounds of used electronics were generated per capita worldwide – but less than 20% were recycled.* The faster we can get those used electronics back into use – or recycled the right way – the better it is for all of us. It might just be the most important mission there is. (Source: SERI 2014)

The answer is reducing e-waste

Cellular Recycler has two goals for reducing e-waste – refurbishing electronics to extend their useful life, and recycling the remainder in a responsible way. Approximately 85% of the phones and electronics we receive are usable items that can be refurbished and resold with the help of our refurbishing partners. The other 15% of phones and electronics we receive can’t be repaired and are considered e-waste. These “junk” materials contain precious metals that can be extracted for the production of new products.

We recycle responsibly

Cellular Recycler operates in accordance with the CTIA Guidelines for Recycling/Materials Recovery, and we are committed to the R2 principles. We have excellent relationships with two US-based R2/RIOS Certified smelting facilities, and we smelt upwards of 40,000 lbs of cell phone handsets per year. Both of Cellular Recycler’s smelting vendors are located in the United States, so no e-waste leaves the country to be destroyed.