Kyocera launches national cellphone recycling program

Kyocera Communications, San Diego, has introduced a free nationwide cellphone take-back recycling program that accepts mobile phones of any brand. SecondWave Recycling, a San Diego-based organization that conducts free phone recycling programs to support various charities, will facilitate the program.

Through the program with Kyocera, SecondWave says that for every four phones donated for recycling, it will make a donation of $1 to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans.

“At Kyocera, sustainability has long been a part of how we think and work, and our hope is that this ‘Take Back’ program helps establish a widespread commitment to responsible e-waste recycling,” says Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications. “By partnering with SecondWave Recycling, Kyocera is able to take action to protect our planet, while also raising funds to keep our veterans and active-duty military connected to their families through the fantastic nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers.”

Donors can print free shipping labels at www.kyoceramobile.com/sustainability, and Kyocera says it will provide shipping containers for phones at no charge to those who need them.

SecondWave Recycling will receive the phones and break them down for their recyclable raw materials.

“SecondWave Recycling is dedicated to making every effort to protect the environment and help nonprofit organizations along the way,” says Ryan Rubel, co-founder of SecondWave Recycling. “We are proud to work with Kyocera on the ‘Take Back’ program and are hopeful this collaboration will increase awareness for e-waste recycling and motivate more people to recycle their old phones.”