Electronics Recycling Association looking for businesses to donate unwanted cell phones and mobile devices in first-ever holiday donation event

Donations accepted until December 15

VANCOUVER, Dec. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Access to mobile communications devices is becoming increasingly essential in our digitally connected society, but many people still can't afford them, especially those with lower incomes. To fill this need, today Calgary-based non-profit organization Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) launched its first-ever mobile device collection drive.

The event is primarily targeted toward local businesses, which often have large volumes of used devices on hand that aren't required anymore but may be appropriate for recycling or reuse. Employees are also encouraged to chip in by donating their outdated gadgets that have become unneeded after taking advantage of the holiday sales.

Corporate and personal donations are being accepted now and until December 15. To participate in the donation event, company representatives can call the ERA at 1-877-9EWASTE (1-877-939-2783) and an ERA representative will organize a pick up free of charge. Donations can also be dropped off at ERA's Vancouver warehouse.

Accepted items include mobile phones, tablets, digital notepads, portable media players, and other related mobile devices.

As an added incentive, the ERA will reward the organization that collects and donates the most devices by planting trees in its name, in partnership with Tree Canada - simultaneously helping boost their CSR profile.

According to ERA community investment director Alistair Noble, as devices are upgraded and replaced companies are left with a large volume of perfectly good equipment that becomes suddenly unwanted.

"Just because employees upgrade to a newer device - whether for personal or business reasons - it doesn't mean the previous one no longer possesses ongoing productive use," said Noble. "Rather than see unnecessary waste or environmental contribution, the ERA strives to have such productive equipment put to good use by others who have a real need."

Data misuse and identity fraud are major concerns for companies as they dispose or recycle unwanted electronic equipment, including laptop and desktop computers. The ERA addresses these issues through its strict procedure designed to securely remove data, which includes destruction using fixed as well as leasable mobile hard drive shredders.

ERA is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing electronic waste by preventing unwanted computers, laptops, servers, phones, and related electronic equipment from ending up in landfills or being prematurely disposed of, or recycled when someone else can still use them. With facilities in Alberta and British Columbia, the organization provides refurbished computers to charities, non profits, elderly, and individuals on AISH and welfare at no charge. For more information about our operations, secure hard drive shredding services or to donate your used electronic equipment, visit www.era.ca.

SOURCE: Electronic Recycling Association

Media contact:

Gurjeet Bansal
Communications Manager, ERA
1.877.9EWASTE ext. 105
[email protected]

Trevor Boudreau / Paul Sullivan
BreakThrough Communications
604.685.4742
[email protected] / [email protected]