CWG (repurposing company)

CWG, also known as Communications Wireless Group, LLC (formerly CMB Wireless Group), is a global repurposing source for the wireless industry that specializes in the recycling and reuse of old cell phones, smartphones, and associated accessories.

Founded in 2006, and headquartered in Bohemia, New York, the company markets itself as the leading recycler of mobile handsets serving the telecommunications industry.

CWG promotes a sustainable business model built around the concept of reuse and maintains a strict zero-landfill policy.^[1] The company works with the carriers and manufacturers of mobile devices and provides a variety of reclamation services such as repair, refurbishment, secure data erasure, resale, take-back programs, and safe disposal.^[2]

The reclamation practices utilized by CWG harvest down to the component level and salvage all reusable materials, such as precious metals, plastic and glass. Repairs are made with refurbished parts wherever possible, and all disposals are performed in an environmentally responsible manner.^[3]

In the United States, it is estimated that over 130 million cell phones are thrown away each year, creating over 65,000 tons of electronic waste every year.^[4] However, the repurposing of mobile handsets keeps electronic waste down, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, keeps toxic metals and plastics and out of landfills, and conserves natural resources.^[5][6]

CWG processes over 3.5 million accessories and 1.5 million batteries annually; reclaims, tests and delivers over 100,00 parts per month;^[7] has kept over 1.7 million pounds of phone scrap out of landfills; and recycles for Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine Program, which benefits and supports the victims of domestic violence.^[8][9]

See also

• Electronic waste in the United States

References

1. ^ TWICE Staff (January 11, 2010). "CWG Revs Up Recycle, Reuse, Renew Programs". This Week In Consumer Electronics. http://www.twice.com/article/443604-CWG_Revs_Up_Recycle_Reuse_Renew_Programs.php. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
2. ^ Leslie Meredith (April 21, 2010). "Recycle Your Old Cell Phone This Earth Day". Live Science. http://www.livescience.com/technology/Recycle-Cell-Phone-Earth-Day-100421.html. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
3. ^ Tim Conneally (March 25, 2010). "That phone you're about to throw away...". Betanews. http://www.betanews.com/article/That-phone-youre-about-to-throw-away-could-be-worth-500/1269545117. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
4. ^ Bette K. Fishbein (March 2002). "Waste In The Wireless World". INFORM, Inc.. http://www.informinc.org/pr_wireless.php. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
5. ^ Daniel E. Sullivan (July 2006). "Recycled Cell Phones—A Treasure Trove of Valuable Metals". U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3097/. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
6. ^ EPA. "eCycle Cell Phones". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/waste/partnerships/plugin/cellphone/index.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
7. ^ Melissa Hincha-Ownby (February 9, 2010). "Business owners: Recycle your company's cell phones". Mother Nature Network. http://www.mnn.com/eco-biz/sustainable-business-practices/blogs/business-owners-recycle-your-companys-cell-phones. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
8. ^ Kristen Beckman (April 8, 2010). "Alliances...". RCR Wireless News. http://www.rcrwireless.com/ARTICLE/20100408/ENABLERAPPS/100409944/alliances-att-and-acosta-vzw-and-recycler. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
9. ^ "HopeLine Program". http://aboutus.vzw.com/communityservice/hopeLine.html. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 

External links

• CWG