Fundraising FAQs

Should we collect chargers and other accessories as well?

          Absolutely, those items can be recycled too.  We currently pay $.25 for the chargers that can be reused.

How much do you pay for the items collected?

          Project KOPEG pays participating organizations a marketable value for each qualifying item. Contact your fundraiser consultant more information.

          Items will qualify for payment if in good working condition, if they power up, and are able to function correctly. Items must be in good condition and free from glaring defects such as water damage, cracked screens, missing or non-functional buttons, etc. Please send all the batteries and any other accessories (i.e. chargers, headsets) you collect to us to be properly recycled. Items that earn money for your fundraiser currently are:

Do you pay for all phones we collect?

          Yes, there are over 800 models we pay for. Phones not on our pricelist (i.e. analog, bag phones, obsolete or unusable phones) will be paid at our "scrap" rate of $.95 per pound (excluding batteries). All these phones are also recycled according to strict EPA guidelines.

What is the best way to make our fundraiser a success?

          Simple. Let everyone know you are collecting electronics and for what cause it is promoting.

          Most importantly, everyone needs to know the why your group is collecting cell phones to raise money.

Will people give us their used cell phones, cameras and other items?

          Absolutely! We have found most people are very willing to give their used items to a good cause.

What does Project KOPEG provide to help us with our fundraiser?

          Once you have completed our fundraiser application one of our Fundraiser Consultants will follow up with you and will create a customized packet complete with promotional flyers, collection bin flyers, and fundraiser tips and ideas. Our fundraiser consultants are here to help you every step of the way and will assist you and your group to ensure your fundraiser is successful.

Who pays for shipping?
 

          We will pay for all shipping fees, with the following criteria:
       

          Project KOPEG will pay all shipping costs to send collected items to our facilities for processing. Once your organization has collected 30 or more cell phones or ink cartridges visit our shipping page to schedule a UPS pickup request. When shipping the collected items, any sturdy box can be used.

          ***IMPORTANT*** the collection and packing of cartridges must be in a
separate container from the electronic items. This separate box or bag may be
included in the same shipping box as the electronic items.

What happens to the information stored in the cell phones?

          Every cell phone we receive goes through an inspection process. During this process, sensitive information is erased if possible and devices are set to factory reset.

How are cell phones harmful to the environment?

          According to , an independent environmental research organization, the improper disposal of cellular phones poses a serious threat to the environment. For example, cell phones contain toxic substances including:

• Arsenic
• Antimony
• Beryllium
• Cadmium
• Copper
• Lead
• Nickel
• Zinc

          (NOTE: The cadmium from a single phone is capable of polluting 158,200 gallons of water or the equivalent of 2.4 million cups of coffee).

          These toxic substances either leach into soil and groundwater from landfills or form highly toxic dioxins & furans during incineration associated with certain types of cancer and a range of reproductive, neurological and developmental disorders especially in children. Over 65 million cellular phones are already stockpiled in U.S. households creating 30,000 tons of potentially hazardous waste. With the average American replacing his/her cell phones every 6-12 months the problem is only growing worse. By 2005, an estimated 130 million cellular phones will be discarded annually in the U.S. alone.
 

Revised: 12/02/09