Q: How much will it cost me to ship?

A: Nothing! E-Recycling For Dummies will pay the shipping for your recycling! You can either download a mailing label or request one from us, depending on how many items you are recycling.

Q: Why do I need to discharge or remove the battery and turn the phone off before shipping?

A: This is to prevent hazards related to lithium batteries during shipping. If you remove the battery you can use http://www.earth911.org to find your local battery recycling center.

Q: Can I use a regular envelope?

A: No. You need to use a large envelope, 6" x 9" or larger. Make sure that the mailing label fits completely on one side of the envelope.

Q: How do I ship ink cartridges?

A: Wrap each cartridge in a tissue and place them in a plastic bag before putting them in your envelope. No additional packaging is necessary.

Q: Can I print the label out on label stock?

A: Yes. You may use Avery label stock #5165, but you don't have to.

Q: Can I fold the label over onto the other side of the envelope?

A: No. You must use a larger envelope (at least 6" x 9") so that the label will fit completely on one side.

Q: Can I ship my e-waste in a box?

A: Yes. Please use a box if you have more than five items to recycle, and follow the Recycling six items or more? page.

Q: I have a large quantity of phones or MP3 players. How can I recycle them?

A: Please follow the Instructions for recycling six items or more page.

Q: Can I change anything on the printed label?

A: No. Please don't change or cover up anything on the label. It is best to use transparent packing tape to affix it to the envelope so that no printed part of it is covered up.

| return to top |

Q: Is there a minimum number of items I can recycle?

A: No. Send as few or as many items as you wish to recycle. However, if you have more than five items, please follow the instructions on the Instructions for recycling six items or more page.

Q: Do you accept broken cell phones, MP3 players, and inkjet cartridges?

A: Yes! We accept all cell phones, MP3 players, and inkjet cartridges, regardless of condition! Please make sure to wrap each inkjet cartridge with a tissue and place in a plastic bag.

Q: What models of cell phones, MP3 players, and inkjet cartridges do you accept?

A: E-Recycling For Dummies accepts all models of these items!

Q: Should I send in accessories, manuals, or original boxes?

A: No. You are encouraged to use http://www.earth911.org to find your local recycling center for these items.

Q: What about the data on the cell phones?

A: E-Recycling For Dummies recommends that you delete all personal data on your cell phone before you recycle it. Resetting your cell phone (especially "smartphones" such as the Palm Treo and BlackBerry) to delete personal data doesn't actually erase information; it only removes the pointers to where the data is stored. Contact the manufacturer for complete instructions on how to wipe your data clean. And think twice about what information you store on your phone in case it's ever lost or stolen.

Q: Could I get phone bills from the next person who gets my old cell phone?

A: No. When you deactivate your service, you eliminate this risk.

Q: Can I send a regular phone, PDA, pager, laptop, computer, TV or digital camera?

A: No. At this time E-Recycling For Dummies can only process cell phones, MP3 players, and inkjet cartridges.

| return to top |

Q: What happens to the inkjet cartridges after I ship them to you?

A: Empty cartridges are refilled and resold as remanufactured cartridges. Those cartridges that cannot be refilled are recycled for their constituent parts.

Q: What happens to the cell phones and MP3 players after I ship them to you?

A: Cell phones and MP3 players are given new life through refurbishing, and are repackaged and sold as refurbished products. Some cell phone models are offered in secondary markets, such as the prepaid industry. Those phones and MP3 players that cannot be refurbished are recycled in an environmentally sound manner, according to EPA standards. See the E-waste Management and Pollution Prevention Policy below.

E-waste management and pollution prevention policy

E-Recycling For Dummies actively supports environmental protection by efficiently recycling all of its electronic waste. We are always working to improve our pollution prevention performance to keep pace with an ever-changing technological landscape.

We are committed to efficient e-waste management with minimal environmental impact. E-Recycling For Dummies processes used electronic products, such as cellular phones, MP3 players, and inkjet cartridges. The majority of these products are recycled through resale.

Those materials that are unsellable, such as broken or long outdated products, must be disposed of properly. Certified smelters contracted nationwide assure complete disposal of unusable material with little to no impact on the environment.

| return to top |

Q: Do you have a book on recycling?

A: Currently no Recycling For Dummies book has been written. However, look for Sustainable Living For Dummies, Australian Ed., which covers many recycling topics.

Q: Do I need to fill out any forms or sign anything in order to recycle my cell phone?

A: No. Just follow the simple instructions for recycling.

Q: I want to become more involved in recycling. Can I do this through E-Recycling For Dummies?

A: Of course! You can conduct an e-waste collection campaign in your local community.

| return to top |