Many people own a cell phone and some even have more than one. However, when it comes time to upgrade their cell phones, most users don't know what to do with their old ones. Cell phone recycling is the best option for the environment and is a business opportunity for those willing to put forth the effort to collect the phones.
Instructions
1. Research the different types of cell phone recycling options. You can choose to recycle for profit or recycle as a not-for-profit and do it as a fundraiser.
2. Decide whether you want to recycle cell phones only, or accessories such as chargers and batteries, too. Several organizations such as Earthworks offer free advice.
3. Write a business plan that includes at least some information about the recycling industry background, your business purpose, the potential recycling market, potential partners, suppliers and vendors and how you will collect and dispose of or recycle the cell phones. Consult with the Recycling Assistance Center for help writing your business plan.
4. Obtain funding using your business plan. Check the Small Business Administration's website for loan requirements and also check for government loans and grants at the Grants website.
5. Find investors, especially if your credit rating is not strong. For example, the Angel's Forum has provided from $100,000 to $1 million in seed money to startup companies in the Silicon Valley.
6. Secure a distribution channel such as Collective Good that includes cell phone collection locations and companies that refurbish or dispose of phones and accessories. Ensure your partnering recycling company complies with the Electronics Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. Also consider allowing customers to mail their phones to a designated site.
Tags: business plan, cell phone, cell phones, your business, recycle cell, recycle cell phones
