Tag: #eWaste

Auctions can be an effective way to dispose of many types of unclaimed property, but electronics are a different story. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smart devices contain sensitive personal data, depreciate quickly, and often generate far less revenue than organizations expect. Before sending your unclaimed electronics to auction, consider the hidden costs, potential risks, and why a secure donation program may provide greater value for your organization, your customers, and your community.

July is Cell Phone Courtesy Month, a reminder to be more mindful of how we use the devices that are always within reach. From putting away distractions during conversations to safely disposing of old phones, small habits can make a big difference for both the people around us and those in need.

Plastic Free July is a global movement encouraging people to reduce plastic waste through simple, sustainable choices. From reusable water bottles to responsibly recycling old electronics, discover five practical ways to make a positive impact on the environment this month and beyond.

Every donated device has a story. Some hold years of family memories, conversations, and connections. When LeAnn donated her late mother-in-law Evelyn’s phone to 911 Cell Phone Bank, she wasn’t simply recycling an old device. She was continuing a legacy of kindness. Discover how one family’s heartfelt donation reminds us that a device’s story doesn’t end when it’s no longer needed. Sometimes, it’s just beginning.

Starting over after domestic violence is not instant, and it is not linear. This blog shares survivor-centered reminders about safety, housing, routines, and support services, plus why safe connection matters.

Our 2025 Annual Report is now available, and it reflects what your support made possible this year. In 2025, 911 Cell Phone Bank securely processed 94,737 devices and diverted 70,222.66 lbs of electronics from landfills. Devices were securely data-erased and routed to responsible outcomes, including 87,264 repurposed for reuse and 40,974 sent to certified recycling when reuse was not possible. Read the report and see the impact that was made.

Earth Month is a reminder that small, everyday choices can have a lasting impact. From reducing waste to responsibly handling unused electronics, learn how simple actions can help protect our environment and support communities at the same time.

Domestic violence can involve more than physical harm. It can include isolation, coercion, and technology-enabled monitoring that makes it harder for survivors to safely reach help. This national resource guide outlines practical steps, trusted hotlines, and why access to a secure phone can be a lifeline. Learn how donating unused and unclaimed devices through 911 Cell Phone Bank can support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

Super Bowl LX offers a chance to raise awareness about human trafficking and empower communities to recognize the signs of exploitation and know how to respond. Learn what indicators to watch for, how to report suspected trafficking safely, and how you can support survivors.

Teen dating violence affects thousands of young people each year and can include physical, emotional, sexual, or digital abuse. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February is a time to learn the warning signs, promote healthy relationships, and support survivors. Discover how providing safe communication through donated devices can make a real difference.

Identity theft can happen to anyone and often goes unnoticed until real damage is done. This Identity Theft Awareness Week resource explains common warning signs, how fraud occurs, and practical steps you can take to protect your personal information and devices.

Human trafficking affects every community, with 1 in 6 endangered runaways likely becoming victims and more than 21,000 survivors identified in 2024. Many escape with only the clothes they are wearing, cut off from loved ones and support. This month, learn why something as simple as a donated cell phone can give survivors the ability to stay safe, connected, and supported.

Selling unclaimed devices can look like a conflict of interest and damage guest trust. Learn a safer option with verified data erasure and donation.

December is National Giving Month and Giving Tuesday is on December 2nd. At 911 Cell Phone Bank, this month reminds us how something as simple as a donated unused cell phone can become a lifeline for someone in crisis. Throughout the month, we’re inviting individuals and organizations to join us in turning unused devices into tools of safety, connection, and hope.

Each year, millions of Americans recycle bottles and cans, but the fastest-growing waste stream is often forgotten: electronic waste. This America Recycles Day, you can make your recycling count for more than the environment. Donating your unused devices to the 911 Cell Phone Bank transforms e-waste into lifelines for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. One phone can mean safety, connection, and a second chance at life.

National CleanUp Month isn’t just about clearing trash from parks and sidewalks. It’s also a reminder to look inside—at the closets, drawers, and lost-and-found rooms overflowing with unused electronics. These forgotten devices aren’t just clutter; when properly donated, they can keep harmful waste out of landfills and even become lifelines for victims in crisis.

Evidence rooms across the country are overflowing with unclaimed and outdated electronics—taking up space and creating unnecessary headaches for law enforcement. Instead of letting these devices sit idle, there’s a smarter solution. By securely clearing and repurposing electronics through the 911 Cell Phone Bank, agencies can clear valuable storage space and directly help victims of abuse and human trafficking.

Discover 5 electronic devices that will be obsolete by 2026, and learn what’s replacing them. Plus, find out how to recycle old gadgets responsibly with 911 Cell Phone Bank!

Many organizations are looking for meaningful ways to give back to their communities. Whether you’re planning a year-end employee initiative, a customer-facing outreach effort, or simply want to make a local impact—here’s an idea that’s simple, powerful, and life-saving.

A recent study revealed that a staggering number of phones sold at online auctions still contain sensitive data. This highlights a hard truth: If devices aren’t securely and professionally wiped, your agency/company could be liable for breaches of privacy, data theft, extortion, or worse. This article addresses the best way to handle these devices without putting the public—or the agency/company—at risk.

What happens to your unclaimed lost and found items matters. Instead of selling them for minor profit, more organizations are choosing to donate—protecting their reputation, simplifying compliance, and making a real impact in the lives of others. Here’s why donating unclaimed property is the smarter, more socially responsible choice.

This year alone, the 911 Cell Phone Bank: 1) Wiped data from 40,125 phones, 2) Recycled 117,020 lbs of e-waste, 3) Helped survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking find safety. Read our full 2024 Annual Report to see how we’re saving lives and protecting the planet—one device at a time.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with law enforcement agencies, victim service organizations, and countless businesses across the country to collect, wipe, and repurpose unused phones and electronic devices. Here are 6 powerful lessons we’ve learned—delivered in 5 minutes or less.

A smartphone walks into a lost and found and mutters, “Last thing I remember was falling between the hotel bed and the nightstand.” If lost phones could talk, oh, the stories they’d tell…

As businesses strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, many overlook a crucial opportunity: sustainable technology disposal. Properly managing electronic waste (e-waste) is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s also a chance to create positive social impact and strengthen governance practices. Here’s how to identify gaps and take action.

Maria found herself trapped. Jake took her identification and money, forcing her into sex work under threats of violence. He monitored her every move—checking her call logs, tracking her location, and even reading her messages through spyware installed on her phone. If she tried to contact anyone for help, he would know immediately.

The Maysville Police Department has teamed up with the 911 Cell Phone Bank to provide emergency phones for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. These devices offer a lifeline—a way to call for help without fear of being tracked. Officer Curtis Neal says it best: “A simple phone can be a bridge from fear to freedom.”

PeaceWorks, a dedicated advocacy program committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence, is celebrating a true success story made possible through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank.

Kentucky Venues is teaming up with 911 Cell Phone Bank to help survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Ian Cox, Executive Director of Communications for Kentucky Venues, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “For years, we struggled with how to properly recycle unclaimed electronics. This partnership not only provides a sustainable solution but also supports a cause that directly benefits vulnerable individuals.”

If your business is holding onto unclaimed devices without a proper disposal plan, you’re exposing yourself to data security risks, legal compliance issues, and operational inefficiencies. The key step to successful lost & found management? Implementing a secure and ethical device disposal strategy.

The 911 Cell Phone Bank stands united with advocates worldwide to bring awareness to modern-day slavery and human trafficking. It is crucial to recognize that millions of individuals around the world remain deprived of the freedom to experience love in its truest form, often due to the horrors of slavery they endure.

At the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we know that something as simple as a phone can be a lifeline. Every device donated through our program has the potential to make a life-changing difference for someone in need. Recently, we received a powerful testimonial that highlights just how impactful our mission truly is.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the alarming reality that 1 in 3 teens experience some form of dating abuse. At 911 Cell Phone Bank, we believe that access to safe communication can be life-changing for victims. By donating unclaimed or unused phones, businesses and organizations can help provide a vital connection to safety and support. Join us in making a difference this month—because every device donated could be a lifeline.

At 911 Cell Phone Bank, we take unclaimed or donated electronic devices and turn them into lifelines for victims in crisis. Today we spotlight our nationwide network of supporters and agencies working together to make a difference. Read on to learn how every donation—from a forgotten phone to an outdated tablet—helps save lives.

Florida Statute 705.185 guides venues on managing unclaimed property, ensuring compliance, and enabling community impact through donations.

View the 2023 911 Cell Phone Bank Annual Report