FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 22, 2003
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

DEP Encourages Floridians to Recycle Cell Phones

-- Recycling electronics prevents pollution, safeguards environment --

Tallahassee– The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians to recycle old or unwanted cell phones. Recycling electronics helps protect the environment from heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which can impact groundwater – the source of 90 percent of Florida’s drinking water.

“Recycling cell phones is becoming more convenient,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs Allan Bedwell. “Disposing of unwanted electronics responsibly prevents pollution, promotes reuse and extends the life of existing landfills.”

Last month, a Federal Communications Commission ruling became effective within the nation’s largest cell phone markets allowing customers to retain cell phone numbers when changing providers. As a result, up to 13 percent of cell phone users may switch carriers within 2004, leaving over 19 million people with an unwanted cell phone that could be recycled rather than discarded.

Since 1998, the Department has awarded more than $2 million in grants to 23 Florida counties to expand local household hazardous waste programs and include the collection and recycling of end of life electronic equipment, including cell phones, televisions and computers.

“Recycling choices are an everyday part of life,” said Bedwell. “The Department has taken a lead by placing cell phone recycling bins in its office buildings and we encourage other businesses to provide the same recycling opportunities for their employees.”

In addition to local household hazardous waste programs, many service providers and retail stores offer cell phone recycling programs that refurbish and remarket cell phones.