University of Colorado Recycles 500th Cell Phone Through Campus Recycling Program
by Jack DeBell
Boulder, Colorado is home to the University of Colorado
Students at the University of Colorado are used to reaching environmental milestones. The first student-supported windpower program, first student-built biodiesel refining equipment, and the first student-run recycling program are just a few of CU’s national achievements. CU has just reached an important internal milestone however, by recovering the 500th cell phone from its collection program sponsored by the Wireless Alliance.
As director of CU Recycling, I believe this this is a significant accomplishment. And it represents the beginning of recovering more phones. College students in particular generate a lot of phones because their coverage plan often changes when they move to Boulder. They also demand the latest technologies. As a result, students need to be the best recyclers in the country.
Numerous reports have been released about the lack of cell phone recycling that is really taking place. Some estimate that only a small percentage of cell phones are recycled in the US. According to CTIA, (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) the largest wireless trade association in North America, there are currently over 270,000,000 active cell phone plans in the United States. Yes, that’s 270 million, and there are currently just over 306 million people living in the United States. Looking at these numbers, it seems that everyone carries a cell phone today.
The University of Colorado Environmental Center has several locations to recycle cell phones: in the Alfred Packer Grill at the University Memorial Center, in the Darley Commons at Williams Village. Cell phones can also be taken to the Environmental Center, room 355 of the UMC.
“We are proud to partner with The University of Colorado to help create a cleaner environment at the school,” said Jon Newman, Owner of The Wireless Alliance. “Every cell phone reused or recycled is one less created or thrown away which also reduces environmentally destructive metals mining practices,” said Newman.
Cell Phone manufacturing companies are now releasing phones made with recycled materials. Earlier this month, Motorola released the W233 Renew, the world’s first carbon neutral cell phone. The casing of the cell phone is made from recycled plastic bottles.
For more information about CU Recycling, visit www.colorado.edu/recycle
For more information about the the Wireless Alliance, visit www.thewirelessalliance.com
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