Background

As reported by Inform Inc., a non-profit independent research organization, about 130 million cellular telephone handsets will be retired each year in the US.  It is estimated the national total for stockpiled cell phones is well over 500 million units. Many of these cell phones currently end up in landfills across the country and not only contribute to the growing solid waste program, they can also release harmful chemicals and toxins into our groundwater.

Since 1985, RMS Communications has been a leader in the wireless industry. Our company is privately held and operates facilities in both Ocala, FL. and Dallas, TX. We specialize in offering inventive service solutions to manufacturers, carriers, distributors, and dealers, as well as businesses and government agencies. Over the years our business has transitioned from servicing 2-way radios to offering complete Returns Management /Reverse Logistics Solutions for all types of wireless handsets.

Our core suite of business ranges from traditional after-sales handset support activities such as repair, refurbishment, and defective handset exchange programs. In addition, we offer our customers numerous other services such as testing/QC, software upgrades, reclamation of parts, de-kitting and re-kitting, seed stock programs as well as end of life handset disposal.

To meet the growing problem of cell phone waste RMS has developed the Recycle for US* (www.RecycleForUS.com) cell phone recycling program, with its “Recycle it Here” wireless retailer initiative. This innovative program was developed to facilitate the reclamation of wireless handsets while providing the front-line collectors (carriers, agents, and other retailers) with additional revenue.

The goal of the “Recycle it Here” initiative is to work with wireless carriers, retailers and agents throughout the U.S. to build a network of industry professionals that can assist consumers in safe disposal of their old cell phones.

In an effort to stop cell phone pollution ALLTEL launched the EcoSmart Cell Phone Recycling program in 2004. ALLTEL encourages customers to take advantage of the EcoSmart program by recycling their used wireless handsets in specially marked drop boxes at more than 500 ALLTEL stores.

In 2005 ALLTEL expanded the recycling program to include its Agents. Since the goals of both programs were so similar, Alltel enlisted the help of RMS to enable its Agent network to take advantage of the many benefits of a no cost cell phone recycling program.

Benefits of Recycling

Revenue Generation - All phones will earn money for you. By simply asking for the old wireless phone during upgrades, insurance claims or new activations, you will earn generate additional revenue.

Legislative Compliance – Many communities are requiring wireless retailers to provide a no cost recycling solution to their customers. The “Recycle it Here” initiative will keep you in complete compliance with all current and future legislation.

Environmental Stewardship – Keeping pollutants out of the landfill is everyone’s responsibility. By proactively recycling cell phones you set a fine example in the community.

Enhances Community Image – People like to deal with companies that are doing good things in the community. By recycling cell phones you communicate that you care.

Added Exposure – All participating locations will be listed in our online consumer cell phone recycling database. When someone from your area searches for a place to recycle their old cell phone they will be directed to your location.

The Solution

Cell Phone Recycling for ALLTEL Agents, is a turn-key cell phone recycling program. RMS provides all of the tools and materials for at no cost to Alltel Agents, RMS even pays for all shipping costs. 

RMS has developed an online management tool that allows you to track and manage all the elements of your cell phone recycling efforts.

What’s Provided:

• Shipping supplies
• Legislative compliance kit (if applicable)
• Downloadable collateral materials
• Online tracking and reporting

It has been our past experience that the success of programs such as this depends greatly on promotion. When properly promoted and managed we have historically seen participating stores collect an average of 100 cell phones per month.

By promoting your commitment to community and bringing added value as an authorized recycling drop off location you give consumer all the more reason to support your business.

Getting Started

Getting started is very simple. Contact Bob Mikler between 7am and 5pm CST at 1- 800-627-2022 Ext 1304 or email him anytime at . You will be sent a starter kit and provided with a username/password for the recovery website. If you have more than one location, you can get multiple starter kits.

* Recycle for US is an innovative and unique initiative which gives consumers, businesses, non-profits and government the ability to participate in a no-cost, environmentally responsible, revenue generating cell phone recycling program.