REGINA – SaskTel has kicked off a cellular device recycling drive in support of its Phones for a Fresh Start program after recently saving its 100,000 cellular device from the landfill since launching the program in June 2009.
Working with the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services Saskatchewan (PATHS), Phones for a Fresh Start has used its recycling proceeds to purchase and donate over $70,000 in prepaid phone cards and 2,610 cellular devices for use by the 21 PATHS shelter agencies located throughout the province.
“Given the wonderful benefits for both PATHS and our environment, I’m pleased that SaskTel is working to make sure cellular devices and accessories are disposed of properly and the proceeds from the program are returning benefits to the community,” said Minister Responsible for SaskTel Joe Hargrave, in the news release. “With Saskatchewan people being who they are, I’m optimistic that they will rally behind SaskTel’s push to recycle cellular devices that aren’t being used.”
“It really is an amazing program,” added SaskTel acting president and CEO Doug Burnett. “Phones for a Fresh Start is having a direct impact on PATHS ability to help women fleeing domestic violence rebuild their lives, and we’re glad we have the opportunity to make the transition these women face a little bit easier”
Old devices may be dropped off at specially marked bins located in each SaskTel store and participating authorized dealers.
Sasktel added that industry research shows that there could be as many as 690,000 cellular devices stored in Saskatchewan homes, yet only 10% are recycled in the province each year.
