Recycling Your Cell Phone - FAQs

Who benefits from the efforts of Women's Self-Defense Instittue's recycling program?

The recycling program will benefit domestic violence victims who would otherwise not be able to obtain a 911 emergency cell phone. The program has the potential to help tens of thousands of people in the community.

What kinds of phones are you collecting?

We accept most makes and models of mobile phones. Most every mobile phone can be recycled.

What if I don't have the charger or other accessories for my phone?

You can still donate your phone even if you do not have all of the accessories that came with it originally. That said, the more complete your donation is, the easier it will be for it to be converted into a 911 emergency phone.

If my phone does not work, can I still donate it?

yes. When donated phones go through the reprogramming process, minor repairs can be made. Depending on the nature of the defect, there still is a chance that it can be repaired and converted into a 911 emergency phone.

How do I donate a phone?

Donations can be dropped off at our local partners listed on the main page, or mailed to Women's Self-Defense Institute directly at 518-7 Old Post Road, #234, Edison, NJ 08817.

What happens to my phone after I donate it?

All phones are cleaned, wiped clear of software and old numbers, reprogrammed and tested.

Is there a risk that I may get a phone bill for the next person that uses my phone?

No, as long as your phone has been disconnected from its service provider, there is no risk of getting a bill from a future user. Before a phone can be redistributed, the software in it is cleaned out, so there no security or privacy issues.

Can I organize a collection locally?

Yes, if your organization is interested in helping with the collection effort, please call 908.217.4502 and we will coordinate collection of the cell phones.

How often do you collect cell phones?

We run a recycling campaign twice a year, once in the spring and once in the winter. Collection periods are from May 15 - June 15 and November 15 - December 15 of each year.