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Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

WHAT ITEMS DO YOU RECYLE?

While our focus is mainly on smartphones and cell phones, we also accept and pay for other electronic items. We accept the folloing items…

  • Cellphones
  • Smartphones (androids/blackberry)
  • iPhones
  • iPads
  • Tablets
  • Nooks / Kindles / E-Readers
  • Gaming Systems: Nintendo products / Microsoft Xbox products / Sony products
  • Handheld Gaming Systems: Gameboys, PSP, etc.
  • iPods
  • MP3 players
  • Motorola and Kenwood 2-way Radios

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE CELL PHONE FUNDRAISING OR RECYCING PROGRAM?

Our Cell Phone Fundraising/Recycling program is for schools, nonprofits, religious organizations, community groups & municipal recyclers. In addition, we also can provide indirect sales agents a quote for asset recovery when changing systems or carriers.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED?

Call us at 352-624-2253 and we will discuss a program to fit your needs.

HOW DOES DESERT WIRELESS RECYCLING RECYCLE CELL PHONES?

Desert Wireless recycles cell phones through an environmentally responsible zero landfill process. We are R2 compliant through our downstream partners to ensure that no toxins enter the environment

WHAT DOES DESERT WIRELESS DO WITH THE PHONES THAT IT COLLECTS?

If a cell phone/PDA cannot be reused in another market, Desert Wireless will absorb the cost of properly recycling it in accordance with state and federal EPA guidelines. Any used cell phones/PDA's that have an economic value are reused in markets utilizing compatible wireless technologies.

PAYMENT

HOW MUCH DOES DESERT WIRELESS RECYCLING PAY PER CELL PHONE?

Desert Wireless Recycling pays between .75 cents and $100 cell per phone (depending on make and model). Newer smartphones may earn up to $200 per phone or more!

DOES DESERT WIRELESS RECYCLING PAY FOR ALL CELL PHONES?

Yes. We pay a minimum of 75 cents for all phones, regardless of age or condition.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO OVER $200 PER PHONE?

We are aware that some recycling programs advertise "over $200 per phone." However, these models are the current models sold by cellular companies, and it is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that you will collect these phones from your community. Therefore, we believe it is misleading to make these claims. With the majority of collectable phones falling in the $2-$10 range, we are more comfortable with "up to $100." However, rest assured that we will pay "up to $200" per phone if the situation arises.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PAID PER CELL PHONE?

We have received shipments averaging as high as $25.00 per phone, and we have received shipments averaging $1.00. There are a variety of factors that will determine your average phone price, particularly where and when the phones were collected, age of the phone and operating condition. On average, you can expect to earn $1 - $4 per collected phone.

DO YOU HAVE A PRICELIST?

Desert Wireless Recycling receives over 1500 models of phones, with pricing changing monthly. Additionally, many cell phone models do not readily indicate the model or part number. Desert Wireless Recycling ACCEPTS AND PAYS FOR ALL PHONES. By paying for all models there is no need to determine if a phone "qualifies" for payment. Furthermore, we commit to industry leading pricing, and we are available to discuss current prices for specific models. We do keep a price list that is available upon request for any organization that is working with us.

Please call us at 352-624-2253 or e-mail us at info@desertwr.com.com if you have any questions about pricing.

HOW LONG BEFORE WE GET A CHECK?

Desert Wireless Recycling will issue and mail a check within 30 days of processing your shipment, (Average payment time is 15 days). You are always welcome to call or e-mail to learn about the status of your shipment.

DO YOU SEND ME AN ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN FOR EACH SHIPMENT?

Desert Wireless Recycling will include a complete and detailed itemized breakdown of all phones received in each shipment. This will include model, quantity, amount paid, and total. Our accountability to you and your organization for each and every recycled phone is of utmost importance to our organization.

PACKING & SHIPPING

WHO PAYS FOR THE SHIPPING?

Desert Wireless Recycling pays for all shipping costs.

IS THERE A MINIMUM SHIPMENT QUANTITY PER BOX?

We ask that you ship a minimum of 25 phones per box.

DO YOU PROVIDE "CELL PHONE COLLECTION" BOXES?

No. We currently do not provide collection boxes.

We suggest that you use any type of sturdy cardboard box for shipping, such as readily available "copy paper" boxes. Additionally, be sure to place your collection box behind a counter or desk (for security purposes), and publicize your collection with our posters which can be emailed to you. Please contact us at 352-624-2253 for further information.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PACKING REQUIREMENTS?

No. Our shipping process is simple and straightforward. When you have a shipment ready one phone call to us is all you need. We take care of the rest. Please call us at 352-624-2253 to arrange for a pickup of your box(es)

SHOULD I COUNT AND LIST THE PHONES BEFORE I SHIP?

We receive thousands of phones per month, and our familiarity with the product makes it easier for us to process .As stated above, you will receive an itemized breakdown with your payment, and you are always welcome to call to discuss the results. Our accountability to you and your organization for each and every recycled phone is of utmost importance to our organization.

DO YOU TAKE THE BATTERIES?

Yes, we accept the batteries. 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.)?

Yes, however they do not have a monetary value. We will accept and dispose of the accessories in compliance with EPA standards as a convenience to you.

HOW OFTEN CAN WE SHIP YOU PHONES?

The program is ongoing and we accept any shipment that contain 25 or more pieces, so you can collect and ship year round

MISCELLANEOUS

IS THE PERSONAL DATA ERASED FROM THE PHONES?

The information below explains our approach to personal data in cell phones.

For phones with "resale" value:

  • For many models, Desert Wireless performs the data erasing at our facility. We use manufacturer codes, and manual resets to erase personal data.
  • Cell phones that cannot be turned on or have a broken screen are melted down or sold to independent refurbishers who will perform the data erasure procedure when applicable.

Phones without "resale" 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 or call 352-624-2253 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 memory 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.

WHY ARE CELLPHONES HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT?

Improper disposal of cell phones / PDA's is a serious threat to our environment. Every cell phone / PDA contains no less that eight hazardous materials including Arsenic, Antimony, Beryllium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc. Disposing of these cell phones / PDA's in a landfill allows these substances to leach into groundwater and soil. Burning them in an incinerator releases chemicals associated with reproductive complications, cancers, and developmental problems especially in children. In 2012 alone, more than 130 million cell phones / PDA's will be discarded. One cell phone / PDA can pollute up to 35,000 gallons of water.