UWPD continues cell phone recycling program

The UW Police Department has collected approximately 1,000 used cellular phones since it began participating in a cell phone recycling program to benefit Special Olympics last spring. The department is one of several law enforcement agencies taking part in the program, which is sponsored by the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association.

Instead of ending up in landfills and becoming environmental hazards, old cell phones can be refurbished and resold. It is estimated that for every three phones recycled, a Special Olympics athlete will be able to be trained and compete in a sport for one season.

The department will continue collecting the phones until Jan. 31. They can be dropped off in the lobby of police headquarters, 1429 Monroe St., any hour of the day or night on any day of the week. Special Olympics will receive a minimum of $1 to a maximum of more than $100 for every cell phone donated.

The UWPD has a history of involvement in Special Olympics fund-raisers such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Polar Plunge and the Shopko Rooftop Challenge.