Get cash for your used cellphone or get credits for accessories.

We now recycle cellphones, MP3's, laptops, game consoles, digital cameras, camcorders and other electronics. Get paid cash and help the environment at the same time.

Call or email us
about our Recycling Fundraising Programs.

We can help you achieve your fundraising goals with no out of pocket expenses for your organization. We will provide you with all the tools necessary for a successful drive.

Why Recycle
My cellphone?

cellphones contain toxic substances including Arsenic, Antimony, Beryllium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc. (NOTE: The cadmium from a single cellphone is capable of polluting 158,200 gallons of water or the equivalent of 1.2 million 16-ounce coffees.) These toxic substances either leach into soil and groundwater from landfills or form highly toxic dioxins & furans during incineration associated with certain types of cancer and a range of reproductive, neurological and developmental disorders especially in children. Over 65 million cellphones are already stockpiled in U.S. households creating 32,000 tons of potentially hazardous waste.

Fundraising

There are well over 100 MILLION retired cellphones in the United States gathering dust in people's homes and offices. Most people are quite happy to find a worthy cause to donate them to. Running a successful cellphone collection drive, however, is the same as running any successful fundraising drive. We have had collection partners raise over $6,000 from a single drive and others raise less than $100. Your success will depend largely on the preparation and effort you put into it. Based on our experience with the most successful drives, we would suggest you consider incorporating at least some of the following elements into your Lucian Drive:

• Set an aggressive but achievable goal in terms of the number of cellphones or dollars to be raised. Make sure people know what that is.
• Utilize our marketing materials and your own creativity to "get the word out". People need to know you are collecting cellphones and what the money you raise will be used for.
• Find creative ways to challenge and motivate your core team of volunteers. Will they benefit directly from the funds raised? Would it be worthwhile to provide some sort of recognition or prize for those who collect the most cellphones or over some number of cellphones? Schedule regular get-togethers for individuals to bring in the cellphones they have collected - make it a social gathering and have fun.
• Determine what group of donators you wish to approach and determine the best way to address them - by letter, neighborhood door drops, email, through their children, in combination with some other event, etc. Don't restrict yourself to the obvious. Employers often have a large number of surplus cellphones, how can you approach them to donate? Be creative and solicit other involved parties for suggestions.
• Make use of the fact that the donations are tax deductible. Used cellphones have no value to most people. A tax deduction will provide them with value as well as a sense of having contributed to some worthy cause and protecting the environment.
• Don't rely on people to bring you their cellphones, often they have trouble remembering. If someone indicates they have cellphones to donate offer to pick them up or find some convenient means for them to give them to you.
• Make a plan and monitor your progress regularly.

Collection

The use of collection bins to assist your fundraising efforts can be very effective if done properly, professionally and inexpensively. Here are a few pointers to help you get started:

STEP #1:

We recommend purchasing $5 to $10 plastic 10-gallon non-clear bins (as shown here) from your neighborhood Wal-Mart, Target or similar retail store. These bins are durable and long lasting.

STEP #2:

Carefully cut a rectangular slot wide enough for a cellphone to be inserted but small enough to discourage people from reaching in and trying to remove cellphones. (as shown in photo above). NOTE: The rectangular shaped slot has been proven to reduce the amount of trash people attempt to place in the bin. That is, circle shaped holes remind people of garbage cans.

STEP #3:

Insert one of our FREE color mini-flyers into a protective clear plastic sleeve or laminate.

STEP #4:

Tape or glue (use glue on clear plastic sleeve only) the mini flyer to the top of the bin. Be careful not to cover the slot opening.

STEP #5: Optional

To reduce the chance of theft two small holes can be drilled through the plastic lid and into the bin base. Small zip ties or even a small travel padlock will ensure the bin remains closed at all times while on display.

Payment

Lucian will issue and mail your organization a check within 10-15 business days of the shipment inspection date indicated on the confirmation email you will receive once the shipment has been inspected. This confirmation email will include an attachment that provides a breakdown of the contents of the shipment and indicate the payment amount. In addition, the email will indicate the mailing address we have on file and who / what organization the check will be made payable to. It is important that you review this email to ensure the information is correct. If any of the information needs to be corrected / updated, just reply to the email with the revised information.