Frequently Asked Questions
General
- Why should people recycle their cell phone(s)?
- What is the difference between ECO-CELL and others who collect cell phones?
- How does the collecting organization get paid?
- Who counts the handsets?
- Is there a cost to the collecting organization?
- Does ECO-CELL pick up?
- Should people have any concerns about giving up their used cell phones?
- Is there a tax deduction for people who donate their used phones?
- Do you accept any other electronics besides cell phones?
- Do you have a price list?
- How are the phones we collect reused?
- What happens to the phones and batteries which cannot be reused?
- What happens to the accessories that we send to ECO-CELL?
- How does ECO-CELL use the information it collects from its Partners?
- Who do I contact, if I have additional questions?
- How do I sign up?
- What if I am not a non-profit? Can I still register and raise money with you?
- I am a participant in your program. Why am I not listed on the ECO-CELL website?
Why should people recycle their cell phone(s)?
There are a myriad of reasons why recycling your cell phone is the right thing to do. See our summary of reasons.
What is the difference between ECO-CELL and others who collect cell phones?
Unlike other companies, ECO-CELL will accept all types of cellular handsets and all accessories, including batteries. Our program offers the collecting organization a simple process that pays up to $50.00 for devices collected from the following list of the biggest/most popular manufacturers: Audiovox, Ericsson, LG Electronics, Kyocera/Qualcomm, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung. Higher values are placed on selected digital phone models. These vary from month to month. Call us for specific model numbers.
How does the collecting organization get paid?
The process is very straightforward: collect as many old, unused cell phones as possible along with their accessories and send them to ECO-CELL (we pay shipping). When the phones arrive at ECO-CELL we make a determination as to whether or not the phones can be reused. If they can be reused we resell them. This is how we get money back to our participants. At this time ECO-CELL pays up to $50.00 for cell phones. After we process your shipment ECO-CELL will e-mail an itemized statement along with a total for funds raised. ECO-CELL issues payment to you 30-45 days from this statement.
If the phones cannot be reused they are recycled properly.
We encourage the collecting organization to count all the handsets they have received. We recount, test, and determine the exact payment amount to be made to the collecting organization.
Is there a cost to the collecting organization?
No . Your time and labor to aggressively promote your collection activities are the only "costs" associated with your campaign. ECO-CELL provides numerous resources which are downloadable from the Resources section of our web site. In general, this will be all you will need to run a successful program. Any expenses related to printing or incentive prizes would be up to you.
Yes, and that's free. Remember, ECO-CELL accepts all used cell phones and their accessories regardless of age or condition if only to ensure they are properly recycled.
Should people have any concerns about giving up their used cell phones?
No, provided they have discontinued service on their donated phone(s). Please note that it is the responsibility of the donating party to erase any information from the devices sent to the program.
ECO-CELL Privacy Statement
ECO-CELL does not clear cell phones of data or content left on phones. It is the responsibility of the donating party to cancel or switch service on the phone and to delete any data such as phone numbers, text messages, pictures, emails, documents, etc. that might be on the cell phone.
ECO-CELL sends donated phones to refurbishing companies who often delete any content left on phones, but ECO-CELL cannot guarantee that content will always be deleted. Therefore it is ECO-CELL’s position and recommendation that those wishing to donate a phone take the time to clear phone of all data to ensure maximum privacy.
Is there a tax deduction for people who donate their used phones?
Their donation may very well be tax-deductible. The fair market value of the donated phone may be determined by the donor. A receipt for a tax deduction can only be issued by a non-profit organization.
Although we work with many non-profit organizations, we do NOT have non-profit status. Therefore we cannot issue tax receipts. If you mail in your phone and designate a specific charity, the funds will go to them and they will be notified of your donation. Many organizations will probably issue receipts automatically. If they do not, you should contact the charitable organization directly.
Do you accept any other electronics besides cell phones?
Yes. We accept pagers, handheld games, e-readers, and some lap tops. For more information about what we accept including potential value, email us or call us toll-free at 888-326-3357. Please note that we are not able to accept desktop computers at this time. For more information about recycling your desktop, please check out the EPA's website.
No, we don't publish one. Price lists are misleading and give no indication of what you will get paid for the phones you recycle. Companies that publish price lists use small print to disqualify the phones you send so that they don't have to pay the price stated.
Here is an example from one of our competitors: "In order to receive stated price your phones must not be "locked", must power up, be free of cosmetic damage, must include battery, have an undamaged LCD screen, must make a test call and have a clear ESN."
Translation: That Blackberry that you were expecting to get $300 for is now worth much-much less because it was scratched up or didn't have a clear ESN (whatever that means).
ECO-CELL pays for phones AS IS. We only check for screen damage and water damage. Even then we pay near full price for broken phones with resale value. If you want to know what your phones are worth just call us. We would be happy give you a quote and stick with it.
How are the phones we collect reused?
Reusable phones are sold "handset only" to companies that refurbish these phones and redistribute them into developing markets such as Latin America for use by first-time, low income users.
A portion of the workable phones are donated to local hospitals for use by patients needing cell phones for emergency 911 calls. They are delivered by ECO-CELL with a charger and battery.
What happens to the phones and batteries which cannot be reused?
Cell phones with no resale value will be recycled with Umicore using the highest industry standards. Batteries are recycled with Access FTC. Accessories are recycled with HOBI.
What happens to the accessories that we send to ECO-CELL?
Accessories are recycled with an R2 and ISO 14001 certified company.
How does ECO-CELL use the information it collects from its Partners?
Any and all information collected by ECO-CELL about our Partners is solely for its use to contact them in order to support their collection campaign. Under no circumstances will ECO-CELL ever sell, rent or share any information we are provided with any other third party.
In addition, ECO-CELL promises that it will only contact its Partners about relevant information related to our collection program.
Who do I contact, if I have additional questions?
You may contact ECO-CELL directly. Email us or call us at (502) 896-4398 or (888) 326-3357.
Just fill out our online registration form or call us at 1-888-326-3357.
What if I am not a non-profit? Can I still register and raise money with you?
Yes, you can can register and collect or just send in what you have. However, if you are an individual or company collecting for personal or business gain, the government can view you as a sub-contractor or freelancer and thus you could be subject to income tax. We are required by law to issue 1099s at year's end to all those we paid $600 or more. Therefore, we require individuals seeking to raise money via ECO-CELL to fill out and sign a W-9. You can submit it to us either by U.S. mail or fax (email is the least secure).
We must have your W-9 in hand before we can issue payment. We will not use the information provided for any other purposes other than those required by law.
Send completed W-9 to:
ECO-CELL - W9 Processing
2905 Riedling Drive
Louisville, KY 40206
Fax: 206-350-1163
Download the W-9 form directly from the IRS website.
I am a participant in your program. Why am I not listed on the ECO-CELL website?
As a reward for their active participation and success we list our Silverback partners only. In addition to placement on our webpage Silverback partners receive higher returns on the phones they send to ECO-CELL and have access to free, custom collection boxes.
