Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 1-9 PHONE AND 10+ PHONE RECYCLING OPTIONS?
HOW DOES A NONPROFIT EARN MONEY FROM MY CELL PHONE SHIPMENT?
DO I RECEIVE A RECEIPT FOR TAX PURPOSES OR SHIPMENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT?
WHAT TYPE OF SHIPPING BOX SHOULD I USE?
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PACKING REQUIREMENTS?
DO YOU TAKE THE BATTERIES?
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS FOR BATTERIES?
DO YOU TAKE OTHER ACCESSORIES (TRANSFORMERS, CHARGING BASES, ETC.)?
HOW DOES GRC RECYCLE CELL PHONES?
IS THE PERSONAL DATA ERASED FROM THE PHONES?
SHOULD I DEACTIVATE THE SERVICE ON THE CELL PHONES?
WHAT IF I WANT TO EARN MONEY FOR MY ORGANIZATION?
FAQ ABOUT OUR DONATIONS OPTIONS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 1-9 PHONE AND 10+ PHONE RECYCLING OPTIONS?
When you recycle 1-9 phones, you simply print out a USPS free shipping label & mail the phones to us. We do not collect your information, and do not send you back any shipment summary or receipt.
When you recycle 10+ phones, you fill out a form, receive a “recycling kit”, and after the phones are processed by us, you will receive a shipment receipt for tax purposes. The receipt will detail the quantity and value of the phones processed. When you recycle 10+ phones, the proceeds will also benefit the nonprofit partner of your choice.
Top of page | Previous PageHOW DOES A NONPROFIT EARN MONEY FROM MY CELL PHONE SHIPMENT?
When you recycle 1-9 phones, our four charity partners – Operation Gratitude, Project A.L.S., Challenged America Foundation, and the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, will collectively earn up to $30 (or more) per phone, depending on make and model. The funds are distributed evenly to the four organizations.
When you recycle 10+ phones, you choose which charity partner (Operation Gratitude, Project ALS, Challenged America Foundation, or the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy) will receive the proceeds from your shipment.
GRC has contributed over $7,000,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout North America.
Top of page | Previous PageDO I RECEIVE A RECEIPT FOR TAX PURPOSES OR SHIPMENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT?
When you recycle 1-9 phones, you will not receive a receipt for tax purposes.
When you recycle 10+ phones, you will receive a shipment receipt for tax purposes. The receipt will detail the quantity and value of the phones processed.
Top of page | Previous PageHOW DOES GRC RECYCLE CELL PHONES?
GRC recycles cell phones through an environmentally responsible zero landfill process. Click here to learn more about our Cell Phone Recycling Process & Environmental Policy .
Top of page | Previous PageWHAT TYPE OF SHIPPING BOX SHOULD I USE?
We suggest you use a strong box, free of old address markings and labels, and please use strong tape to secure the box and its contents in transit.
Top of page | Previous PageDO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PACKING REQUIREMENTS?
As a general rule, our shipping process is simple and straightforward. When you sign up with our program, you will receive shipping instructions in your “welcome kit”.
Yes, we need the batteries and the battery covers (a battery cover is the plastic “back” of the phone that covers the battery.) When shipping, please make sure any batteries included in your shipment are attached to their corresponding phones. If the battery is unavailable, we will accept the phone by itself.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS FOR BATTERIES?
Any batteries included in your shipment must be attached to their corresponding phones (if the battery is unavailable, we will accept the phone by itself). If you are shipping twelve (12) or more "extra" or "loose" batteries, please call us for further instructions.
DO YOU TAKE OTHER ACCESSORIES (TRANSFORMERS, CHARGING BASES, ETC.)?
We do not accept transformers, charging bases, cigarette plugs, earpieces, or manuals. Our company focus is handset and battery recycling. Most county disposal/trash facilities will accept the charger/charger bases that GRC does not take. Check with your local waste management agency regarding what regulations are required in your area.
Top of page | Previous PageIS THE PERSONAL DATA ERASED FROM THE PHONES?
The information below explains our approach to personal data in cell phones.
1. For phones with “re-use” value:
- For many models, GRC performs the data erasing at the GRC facility. We use software, manufacturer codes, and manual resets to erase personal data.
- For some models, the data is erased by refurbishment companies (either GRC customers or independent refurbishers).
- Cell phones that cannot be turned on or have a broken screen are sold to independent refurbishers who will perform the data erasure procedure when applicable.
2. Phones without “re-use” value are shredded during our metals refining process. The personal data is erased through the destruction of the phone.
We recommend that anyone with concern about personal data should erase the phone's memory before recycling. For most phone models, data erasing is a simple process, commonly found in a phone’s menu. Data erasing instructions can also be found in the phone’s user manual. Feel free to email us at info@grcrecycling.com or call 877-744-3601 if you have any questions.
SHOULD I DEACTIVATE THE SERVICE ON THE CELL PHONES?
Yes, be sure to deactivate your cell phone service prior to shipping your phones. We will not be responsible for any airtime charges resulting from phones that were not deactivated.
WHAT IF I WANT TO EARN MONEY FOR MY ORGANIZATION?
If you are a nonprofit organization, we welcome your participation in our Cell Phone Fundraising program. Click here for more details.
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