East Unites with West in Global Cellular Recycling Effort

What do Canada, China and the United States have in common? These three countries are major consumers of wireless phones and are adopting them at a rapid pace, resulting in millions of used and discarded cell phones.

What do Canada, China and the United States have in common? These three countries are major consumers of wireless phones and are adopting them at a rapid pace, resulting in millions of used and discarded cell phones. Although each country has it own unique challenges to this cellular phenomena, The Wireless Source has a forward-thinking approach to the end-of-life management issues that closes the "reuse, reduce, recycle loop" in a coordinated and integrated manner. The recovery and reuse of cell phones is positive for the environment while introducing millions of people to wireless communications for the first time.

Challenging the wireless industry to create a solution for the increasing volume of globally stockpiled cell phones is a high priority for governments and environmental groups. There are currently more than 1 billion phones in use worldwide. Cell phones contain highly toxic chemicals that persist in the environment. By the year 2005, it is estimated that there will be 500 million stockpiled cell phones in the U.S. Cell phones are used for 18 months on average in the US. By contrast, the growth rate of cell phones in Canada is increasing sharply, and by 2005 there is a potential for 60 million stockpiled handsets. Ultimately, China expects to surpass the combined number of stockpiled cell phones of U.S. and Canada by 2005.

   The Wireless Source (TWS), headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, MI has long been aware of re-use opportunities. TWS was formed in 1995 and is a high quality re-manufacturer and re-marketer of new and refurbished cellular phones. TWS provides a market driven solution to the worldwide e-waste challenge that continues to growing in scope. TWS has developed service offerings focusing on reuse, which includes collection program management such as trade-in and take-back initiatives and partnering with OEM manufacturers, network operators and end users to implement them. Bob Sullivan, CEO of The Wireless Source states, " since our inception, we have re-deployed millions of used wireless phones extending their economic and functional life while potentially diverting them from landfills."

   The Wireless Source China established its office in Shanghai last year. Both government and private business heralded its presence. TWS China provides a new business model for the OEMs, network operators and the government that was previously non-existent. By the end of 2002, China mobile users reached 200 million. The rapid growth in cell phone usage raises many environmental and health concerns about the end-of-life management of discarded cell phones. "Today's cellular waste in China seems small, but has the potential to become a big issue quickly," says Gary Shen, General Manager of TWS China. "I am proud to be associated with an initiative to recover, reuse and recycle used wireless handsets and equipment. This business model will help recapture the value of unused products and bring communications to rural areas who are in great need," adds Shen.

   The Wireless Source Canada opened its doors earlier this year. "The business model of TWS will help meet our recycling responsibilities in North America and elsewhere in the world," states Gordon Weis, General Manager of TWS Canada.
   A new collection approach recently emerged, called Charitable Recycling. It focuses on harvesting used cell phones for the benefit of charities and other organizations. Charitable Recycling is a joint initiative between government and industry. "The blend of the private and non-profit segment has created an economically sustainable program," states Bob Sullivan. The program is in partnership with REAP2, an Oakland County, MI based national environmental initiative designed to create a process to collect electronic waste that can be reused or recycled. "Charitable Recycling is a vertical solution within our REAP2 program," states Marty Seaman, REAP2 Program Director.

Charitable Recycling and Charitable Recycling Canada offers consumers and businesses a mechanism for disposing of their used cell phones while preserving the environment and helping charities. "The response to the program has been overwhelming," says Rhonda Linton, Charitable Recycling Program Manager. "We are now partnered with national organizations and environmental programs including The National Wildlife Foundation and Waste Free NYC (New York City)," adds Linton.