WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 1-9 PHONE AND 10+ PHONE RECYCLING OPTIONS?
When you recycle 1-9 phones, you simply print out a USPS free shipping label & mail the phones to us. We do not collect your information, and do not send you back any shipment summary or receipt.
When you recycle 10+ phones, you fill out a form, receive a “recycling kit”, and after the phones are processed by us, you will receive a shipment receipt for tax purposes. The receipt will detail the quantity and value of the phones processed.
HOW DOES A SHELTER ALLIANCE EARN MONEY FROM MY CELL PHONE SHIPMENT?
Our non profit partners will receive up to $30 (or more) for every recycled phone. They will receive a minimum of 50 cents for every recycled phone, including damaged and outdated phones.
Shelter Alliance has contributed over $10 million million to nonprofit organizations throughout North America.
DO I RECEIVE A RECEIPT FOR TAX PURPOSES OR SHIPMENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT?
When you recycle 1-9 phones, you will not receive a receipt for tax purposes.
When you recycle 10+ phones, you will receive a shipment receipt for tax purposes. The receipt will detail the quantity and value of the phones processed.
HOW DOES SHELTER ALLIANCE RECYCLE CELL PHONES?
Shelter Alliancerecycles cell phones through an environmentally responsible zero landfill process. Click here to learn more about our Cell Phone Recycling Process & Environmental Policy .
WHAT TYPE OF SHIPPING BOX SHOULD I USE?
We suggest you use a strong box, free of old address markings and labels, and please use strong tape to secure the box and its contents in transit.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PACKING REQUIREMENTS?
As a general rule, our shipping process is simple and straightforward. When you sign up with our program, you will receive shipping instructions in your “welcome kit”.
DO YOU TAKE THE BATTERIES?
Yes, we need the batteries and the battery covers (a battery cover is the plastic “back” of the phone that covers the battery.) When shipping, please make sure any batteries included in your shipment are attached to their corresponding phones. If the battery is unavailable, we will accept the phone by itself.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS FOR BATTERIES?
Any batteries included in your shipment must be attached to their corresponding phones (if the battery is unavailable, we will accept the phone by itself). If you are shipping twelve (12) or more “extra” or “loose” batteries, please call us for further instructions.
DO YOU TAKE OTHER ACCESSORIES (TRANSFORMERS, CHARGING BASES, ETC.)?
We do not accept transformers, charging bases, cigarette plugs, earpieces, or manuals. Our company focus is handset and battery recycling. Most county disposal/trash facilities will accept the charger/charger bases that Shelter Alliance does not take. Check with your local waste management agency regarding what regulations are required in your area.
IS THE PERSONAL DATA ERASED FROM THE PHONES?
The information below explains our approach to personal data in cell phones.
For phones with “re-use” value:
- For many models, Shelter Alliance performs the data erasing at the Shelter Alliance facility. We use software, manufacturer codes, and manual resets to erase personal data.
- For some models, the data is erased by refurbishment companies (either Shelter Alliance customers or independent refurbishers).
- Cell phones that cannot be turned on or have a broken screen are sold to independent refurbishers who will perform the data erasure procedure when applicable.
Phones without “re-use” value are shredded during our metals refining process. The personal data is erased through the destruction of the phone.
We recommend that anyone with concern about personal data should erase the phone’s memory before recycling. For most phone models, data erasing is a simple process, commonly found in a phone’s menu. Data erasing instructions can also be found in the phone’s user manual. Feel free to email us at info@shelteralliance.net or call 866-744-1003 if you have any questions.
While we have internal policies in place to address personal data in phones, we will not be responsible for any information left stored in the memories of recycled cell phones.
SHOULD I DEACTIVATE THE SERVICE ON THE CELL PHONES?
Yes, be sure to deactivate your cell phone service prior to shipping your phones. We will not be responsible for any airtime charges resulting from phones that were not deactivated.