Terminate, Delete Personal Info and Remove SIM B4 Recycling, Reminds CTIA

Thumbnail image for FullCircle.jpgCTIA is supporting this week as national wireless recycling week. CTIA-The Wireless Association
will recognize "green" month by featuring informative videos,
podcasts
and updates that highlight the sector's eco-friendly initiatives
and
contributions.

MyWireless.org, the wireless consumer advocacy organization,
released a
survey in March 2010 that found more than 85 percent of Americans
polled
were aware their cell phones or wireless devices were recyclable
while
almost 69 percent knew their wireless accessories were recyclable.
In
addition, more than 71 percent were aware of recycling programs
that
would accept their used wireless products. Finally, almost 60
percent of
those polled had recycled or donated an old or no longer
in-service
wireless device or accessory.

Before recycling wireless devices, CTIA reminds consumers to
follow
three easy steps:

  1. Terminate your carrier service.
  2. Erase contacts and other stored personal information on the
    mobile
    phone by utilizing the free Cell
    Phone Data Eraser
    at http://wirelessrecycling.com/home/data_eraser/.
  3. Remove your phone's SIM card, if it has one. Phones that operate
    on
    GSM networks use SIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone
    uses a
    SIM card or if you need assistance removing your SIM card,
    contact
    your wireless provider.

The centerpiece of this public
outreach and
awareness campaign is an in-store phone take-back program that
allows
consumers to bring their used wireless devices and accessories to
carrier retail outlets for recycling purposes. Consumers can learn
more
about this program by visiting www.recyclewirelessphones.com.

"Eco-friendly initiatives and contributions by our members and
programs
such as the EPA's are clearly making a difference in encouraging
millions of U.S. wireless subscribers to reduce their carbon
footprint
by recycling their old wireless devices and accessories. We
encourage
consumers to take advantage of the thousands of convenient
drop-off
locations, including all major wireless carrier retail stores,
which
collect wireless phones and accessories," said Steve Largent,
president
and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association.

To learn more about 2010 National Cell Phone Recycling Week and
the
EPA's Plug-In To eCycling program, click
here
.