SaskTel announced Tuesday a new recycling collaboration with the government of Saskatchewan in support of the company’s “Phones for a Fresh Start” program (PFFS) with an initial donation of nearly 2,500 late model, government-owned devices.
Through the collaboration, the Crown corporation said the government will donate surplus government-owned devices to the program for “responsible recycling going forward,” including to people in need.
“This collaboration will help boost recycling rates across the province while providing vital funds for PFFS to carry out its important activities in support of those fleeing domestic abuse and youth transitions out of foster care,” a SaskTel press release said.
The PFFS was launched in 2009 and has diverted more than 143,400 electronic devices from the landfill while helping people in the province get a fresh start, the press release said, adding the program has donated over $134,400 in prepaid phone cards and 5,740 cell phones.
SaskTel also currently works with another Crown corporation, SaskPower, which began donating end-of-usage devices to the PFFS in 2022.
The telecom says it works with the Ministry of Social Services and the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services to ensure all new devices are distributed to those who need it most.
