LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-Alltel said it is expanding its efforts cell-phone recycling program, which aims to keep about 1 million pounds of electronic waste out of landfills annually.
In October, Alltel collected nearly 70,000 used wireless phones, including more than 1,000 in one day earlier this month from employees at corporate headquarters. The handsets are sold for refurbishing, and Alltel plans to give a portion of the proceeds to nonprofit organizations.
Under the program known as EcoSmart, customers can deposit their used handsets in specially marked drop boxes at more than 500 Alltel stores.
“With the average 18-month lifespan of a wireless phone, millions of phones are going inactive and should be recycled,” said Lewis Langston, executive vice president of process and operations support for Alltel. “Our goal is to do our part for the environment in the communities we serve. We encourage customers to join us in this worthwhile effort.”
Alltel also recycles wireless phone batteries and accessories.
