Cell-phone recycling effort benefits local Special Olympics
Want to get rid of that old cell phone and donate it to a good cause?
The UW Police Department is joining forces with Special Olympics to recycle old and unwanted cell phones, many of which can be refurbished and resold. The phones can be dropped off at department headquarters, 1429 Monroe St., at any hour of any day. A “Recycle for Special Olympics” box will be located in the lobby. The collection will continue through January 31, 2006.
Many cell phones end up in landfills and become environmental hazards. It is estimated that as many as 30 million of the phones no longer in use are still in the hands of consumers.
Special Olympics will receive a minimum of $1 to a maximum of more than $100 for every cell phone collected. The money raised will provide sports training and competition opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
“For every three phones recycled, it’s estimated that one athlete can participate for one sports season,” says police communications supervisor LeAnn Krieg. The UW Police Department has a longstanding tradition of supporting Special Olympics, according to Sgt. Jerome VanNatta.
“Each year we participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Shopko Rooftop Challenge,” says VanNatta. “We see this as one more way of partnering with Special Olympics to enable athletes to reach their fullest potential.”
The department is one of several police departments around the state participating in the recycling effort, which is supported by the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association.
- Liz Beyler, (608) 263-1986, lbkraak@wisc.edu