Blog - e-Cycle Inc

April 8, 2015 — Comments are off for this post.

e-Cycle Wireless Buyback and Recycling Celebrates 10th Anniversary

e-Cycle LLC, the leading provider of wireless asset recovery, data security and recycling solutions for businesses and government agencies, is celebrating its 10^th anniversary. Founded in April 2005, by Christopher and Tonia Irion, e-Cycle offers organizations turnkey programs to purchase their old smartphones and tablets for reuse or recycling, wipe the data and put money back into their budget or donate to charity.

"We are extremely honored to be celebrating this significant milestone," said Christopher Irion, e-Cycle CEO. "Our success over the past decade is attributed to two things: First, our clients and their commitment to protecting the environment and their sensitive data through responsible recycling of wireless devices. Second, our employees who continually seek ways to optimize our processes in every area of the business to better serve our clients and bring the company to a new level.”

In 2005, e-Cycle began with only three employees in the basement of the Irion’s private home and has since grown to an organization that employs more than 80 people and has two locations in the Central Ohio area. e-Cycle has expanded its wireless buyback and recycling services internationally into North America, South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific. In March 2015, e-Cycle experienced its strongest month in company history, with business exceeding the company’s first three years combined.

The Irions established e-Cycle on three guiding passions: a love of technology, the environment and charitable giving. Since 2005, e-Cycle has contributed more than $1 million to charities as a company and on behalf of its clients, solely through mobile phone recycling, and kept close to 1 million pounds of toxic electronic waste out of landfills.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

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Published by mast in Uncategorized

March 24, 2015 — Comments are off for this post.

Success Stories Highlight Efforts to Reduce Toxic Pollution in Developing Countries

The Blacksmith Institute for a Pure Earth, Green Cross Switzerland, and Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) have published a new report, “Top Ten Countries Turning the Corner on Toxic Pollution,” as part of their annual 'World’s Worst Polluted' series to raise global awareness about the extent and the impacts of toxic pollution in low- and middle-income countries.

The report revisits the countries featured in a 2009 report, “12 Cases of Cleanup and Success” for inspiration and highlights the commitment and progress developing countries are making in overcoming toxic pollution. In these areas, pollution kills 8.4 million people each year, most of them children, and an estimated 200 million people suffer serious pollution-related health problems, including brain damage, from exposure to lead, mercury, pesticides and a host of other chemicals.

The cities and their stories shared within the report demonstrate that in spite of numerous obstacles and lack of resources, with collaboration and commitment, something can always be done to begin to improve even the most polluted areas. Below are summaries of three success stories featured in the report:

Agbogbloshie, Ghana

E-waste recycling is an important source of income for the thousands in Agbogbloshie, Ghana. Their methods, including burning of electronic scrap to recover prized metals, particularly copper, had taken a dreadful toll on the health of the people and the environment. Now wire-stripping machines eliminate burning of e-waste and offer a safer, healthier way to extract the metals.

Thiaroye Sur Mer, Senegal

Acute lead poisoning, a rare condition caused by prolonged daily exposure to lead, took the lives of 18 young children in a matter of months. The women of the community had been breaking used lead-acid batteries and smelting the lead to extract it for resale. Lead fumes and dust contaminated the community killing children and impairing the health of others. Project partners and funders, along with the Senegalese government, not only removed lead contamination from the village, but also trained the women in hydroponic agriculture as an alternative means of income to this toxic work.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Low-income workers in Montevideo burn electronic waste and electrical cables to obtain copper for resale. By burning e-waste over open pit fires they created “toxic hotspots” in their own communities, sites where contamination from heavy metals and other toxins are so high, it is a danger to human health. The GAHP teamed up with the City of Montevideo to identify and clean up some of the worst toxic hotspots of the city.

For the full report and more information on these and other stories, visit www.worstpolluted.org

While these stories highlight some of the recent successes in cleaning up pollution in these areas, it is important to remember that there is still a long way to go in repairing the damage and preventing the root causes of this contamination. To ensure your electronics do not get exported overseas and further contaminate developing countries, partner with an e-Stewards certified recycler. e-Stewards’ recyclers adhere to the most stringent, global standards for recycling e-waste and worker protection. e-Stewards is the only certification that strictly prohibits the exportation of toxic e-waste to developing countries.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

Published by mast in Uncategorized

Tags: e-Stewards, e-Waste, electronic recycling, environment, responsible recycling

February 13, 2015 — Comments are off for this post.

Vote for e-Cycle and help us win a $25,000 grant in the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

e-Cycle is requesting your help in voting for us in the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest and the chance to win $25,000 to invest in growing and improving our wireless buyback and recycling operations.

You can vote once per day on each social network (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) from now until March 17. Voting is easy and will only take a few seconds of your time. Thank you in advance for your support!

http://smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com/Gallery/Detail/92985349-187b-425d-b4c8-4756bd35631b

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

Published by mast in Uncategorized

October 15, 2014 — Comments are off for this post.

How To: Deactivate Find My iPhone or iPad Security Feature for Apple Devices Running iOS 8 When Selling Used iPhones and iPads to e-Cycle

The Find My iPhone/iPad service is available on all Apple devices running iOS 8 as part of iCloud. This beneficial technology makes it more difficult for anyone to access or sell your device in the event it is lost or stolen. While Apple’s security feature is a helpful data security measure, it also prevents e-Cycle’s security team from accessing the device to ensure your private data has been thoroughly sanitized.

To avoid lengthy delays in processing and possible forfeiture of payment, this security feature must be deactivated on your iPhones and iPads prior to shipping them to e-Cycle.

If you’re not sure if you’ve installed iOS 8, go to Settings> General> About> Version. The number beside Version will start with “8.”

Please follow the simple steps below to deactivate the Find My iPhone/iPad security feature or watch the embedded video:

Go to the Settings app on your device
Select “iCloud”
Scroll down to “Find My iPhone/iPad” and toggle the button to the “Off” position
Enter Apple ID password and turn off Find My iPhone

How to Deactivate Find My iPhone Security Lock on Apple iOS 8 Devices from e-Cycle LLC. on Vimeo.

It’s important to never remotely wipe, lock or mark your device as lost or stolen using iTunes or iCloud when sending it to e-Cycle because it will reactivate the lock.

After completing these steps, the Find My iPhone functionality will be disabled and your device will be ready to send to e-Cycle. You can also visit www.iCloud.com/activationlock to check your device’s activation lock status and confirm it has been properly deactivated. Upon entering your device’s IMEI or Serial Number (you can find instructions on where to find this information here), the Activation Lock should read “Off.”

If you have already sent your iOS devices to e-Cycle, you can disable the Find My iPhone lock through iCloud by following these steps:

Sign in to your Apple iCloud account: www.iCloud.com/#find
Click the “All Devices” link at the top of the page
Click on the device you would like to deactivate (the device may appear as “Offline”)
Click “Remove from Account” at the bottom of the page
Click “Remove” when prompted
Your device can now be processed by e-Cycle

Be certain to take the steps above so you are eligible to receive buyback dollars for your Apple iPhone and iPad devices. Failure to deactivate the Find my iPhone/iPad security feature on Apple devices will result in a considerable delay in processing and may result in forfeiture of payment for your device.

For more information or support, please contact the e-Cycle support team at GoGreen@e-Cycle.com or 1.855.329.2536 (855.ECYCLE.NOW).

Published by mast in Uncategorized

Tags: ipad, iphone, iphone recycling, mobile buyback, sell iphone, sell my iphone, sell your iphone

April 1, 2014 — Comments are off for this post.

e-Cycle Launches Nationwide Campaign to Reuse and Recycle for Autism Speaks

e-Cycle, the leading wireless buyback and recycling company, has partnered with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, to launch Reuse and Recycle for Autism Speaks, a philanthropic wireless recycling campaign. The campaign begins April 1, during Autism Awareness Month, and will run through June 30, 2014. As part of the initiative, e-Cycle is asking businesses and organizations to donate their mobile phone buyback revenue to Autism Speaks through the e-Cycle Foundation.

Organizations may also donate used iPads through the campaign. Donated iPads will be wiped of all data using e-Cycle’s rigorous data security processes to be repurposed for Autism Speaks initiatives. iPads have proven to be an especially useful tool for improving communication, motor, and cognitive skills for individuals living with autism. They are portable, customizable, and the touchscreen is more accessible for children who have learning or coordination difficulties.

e-Cycle is kicking off its campaign by donating iPads to Nationwide Children’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, a member of Autism Speaks’ Autism Treatment Network. In addition, e-Cycle will maximize the amount of money raised for Autism Speaks through wireless buyback by contributing an additional $2 for every device received through the campaign between April 1 and June 30.

“Through our partnership with Autism Speaks, we’re providing businesses and organizations a means to make a difference on multiple levels,” said Tonia Irion, e-Cycle President. “They not only have the opportunity to protect the environment by recycling their enterprise wireless devices, but they also can support efforts to improve the lives of those on the autistic spectrum.”

“Autism Speaks is excited to join in this new partnership with e-Cycle as we kick off Autism Awareness Month in April,” said Alec M. Elbert, Autism Speaks’ chief strategy and development officer. “The donation of iPads has become one of our most popular and effective programs because of their value as a communication tool for kids and adults with autism.”

During the campaign, the e-Cycle Foundation will coordinate the tax-deductible mobile buyback donations for e-Cycle’s clients and write a check directly to Autism Speaks on their behalf.

To participate in Reuse and Recycle for Autism Speaks or to learn more, visit http://www.e-Cycle.com/AutismSpeaks.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science, awareness and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Visit www.autismspeaks.org for more information.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses and consumers to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

- See more at: http://www.e-cycle.com/media-press/e-blog/#sthash.immXzFny.dpuf

Published by mast in Uncategorized

Tags: Autism, Autism Awareness, Business cell phone recycling, cell phone buyback, charity, ipad, National Autism Month, wireless buyback

December 1, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

200 Million Threatened from e-Waste – World’s Worst Polluted Places in 2013

E-waste endangers 40,000 based on new study

More than 200 million people worldwide are at risk from exposure to toxic pollution in developing countries, according to two environmental groups that recently published a list of the world’s most polluted places.

A U.S.-based environmental group, Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland published a top 10 list of the "World's Worst Polluted Places" based on more than 2,000 risk assessments at contaminated sites in 49 countries. This is the first report of its kind since 2007.

Six years ago, Chinese and Indian areas dominated the list, but because of successful clean-up efforts, the two countries have completely evaded this year’s list.

The World's Worst Polluted Places in 2013 (unranked)

Agbogbloshie Dumpsite, Ghana
Chernobyl, Ukraine*
Citarum River, Indonesia
Dzershinsk, Russia*
Hazaribagh, Bangladesh
Kabwe, Zambia*
Kalimantan, Indonesia
Matanza Riachuelo, Argentina
Niger River Delta, Nigeria
Norilsk, Russia*

*Included in the original 2006 or 2007 lists

Agbogbloshie, located in Ghana’s capital, was a new addition to the list. It is the second largest e-waste processing area in West Africa, importing about 215,000 tons of e-waste from abroad each year. This number is expected to double by 2020, according to the report.

The composition of electronic waste requires a high level of skill and resources to recycle it safely. E-waste processors in Agbogbloshie are threatening the public health by burning cables to recover the copper inside. The toxic metals, such as lead, contained in these cables can migrate through smoke and can seep into the soil.

In Agbogbloshie, soil samples show concentrations of lead that are 45 times greater than the acceptable level. The report gives a conservative estimate of the people affected as more than 40,000; however, they believe a more in-depth analysis would show that as many as 250,000 individuals may be at risk.

To ensure your electronics do not get exported overseas and further contaminate developing countries, partner with an e-Stewards certified recycler. e-Stewards’ recyclers adhere to the most stringent, global standards for recycling e-waste and worker protection. e-Stewards is the only certification that strictly prohibits the exportation of toxic e-waste to developing countries.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

Published by mast in Uncategorized

November 13, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

Generation Y Poses Mobile Security Threat to BYOD Policies

Generation Y is bringing mobile security threats with them as they enter the workforce. According to a recent Fortinet survey, this tech-savvy generation is more willing to break the rules and put your corporate data at risk.

Fortinet surveyed 3,200 college graduates with full-time jobs between the ages of 21 and 32 in 20 countries. The respondents all owned a smartphone, tablet and/or laptop.

The research found that 51 percent of those surveyed would bypass company policies that restrict the use of personal devices, cloud storage or emerging wearable technology for work. It also showed a 42 percent increase in the willingness to break usage rules compared to a similar survey conducted last year.

Of the 89 percent of respondents that stated they had a personal cloud storage account, 70 percent admitted to using their account for work-related items such as passwords, financial information, confidential business documents and customer data:

12 percent - work passwords
16 percent - financial information
22 percent - confidential business documents (contracts and plans)
33 percent - customer data

Thirty six percent of respondents using their personal cloud for work purposes said they would break any rules enacted to stop them.

While the study’s results make the future of mobile management appear dismal, there is a silver lining. The vast majority - 88 percent - of the respondents accept that they have an obligation to understand the security risks posed by using their own devices. Education and advancements in technology services could be the solution to the BYOD security threat Fortinet has brought to the forefront.

IT administrators must proactively educate employees, particularly Gen Y, about mobile security threats and the risks associated with their actions. Also, consider distributing basic security best practices such as only using a secure Wi-Fi connection or keeping software up-to-date to protect their devices and the company’s data.

In addition, new tools and services cannot simply be ignored or banned. If employees are embracing unsanctioned technologies, it's generally to fill a void that existing devices and services aren't addressing. Listen to users to better understand the business value of these tools. Then find a solution that fills the employee’s need, while keeping sensitive corporate data protected.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

Published by mast in Uncategorized

Tags: bring your own device, BYOD, data security, Gen Y in the workplace, recycle cell phones, sell cell phones

November 11, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

Inc. Magazine’s Hire Power Awards Recognize e-Cycle for Job Creation

e-Cycle was ranked the #3 Environmental Services Company in Inc. Magazine’s second annual Hire Power Awards for contributing to job creation in the United States.

In the past three years, e-Cycle experienced growth of 622 percent and generated 32 new jobs, placing it among the top 15 job creators in Ohio for the second consecutive year.

“We are honored to be recognized as a top job creator, as it demonstrates our commitment to delivering value to our clients and employees,” said e-Cycle CEO Christopher Irion. “This award serves as a testament to the growing need for mobile recycling and asset recovery, as well as the hard work and commitment our team embodies.”

Only 222,000 full-time U.S. jobs were added in 2012, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Inc. magazine’s Hire Power Award honorees created almost 70,000 of those positions.

“For the second year in a row, we are pleased to recognize the employers who are putting Americans back to work,” says Eric Schurenberg, Editor-in-Chief of Inc. “The Hire Power Awards are the only awards that single out job creators. We think it’s fitting to pay tribute to company founders not just for their business prowess but also for their immense contribution to the welfare of U.S. workers and the vitality of the U.S. economy.”

e-Cycle is among 437 Hire Power Awards honorees located across the country and in 25 industries. To be eligible, companies must be U.S.-based, privately owned, have been founded in 2011 or earlier and have employed at least 10 full-time employees as of December 31, 2012.

An award ceremony, sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, will take place on November 12, 2013, in San Francisco. A complete list of winners can be found at www.inc.com/hire-power.

To view e-Cycle’s Inc. company profile, visit www.inc.com/profile/e-Cycle.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

Published by mast in Uncategorized

Tags: cell phone recycling, e-Stewards, Environmental Services Company, Hire Power Awards, sell cell phone

November 6, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

Adoption of E-Waste Legislation in the U.S. Declines in 2013

E-waste related bills accounted for more than 10 percent of all U.S. recycling and solid waste bills introduced in 2013; however, this year marks the first time in 10 years that no major state legislation surrounding e-waste was passed, according to Resource Recycling.

From 2003 to 2011, at least one state each year adopted comprehensive legislation surrounding e-waste recycling. A total of 26 states have created statewide e-waste programs since 2003. Click here to view a map of the states that have passed zero landfill related to specific technologies.

The only e-waste bills that passed in 2013 were incremental updates to existing programs. In 2012, Colorado passed a bill to ban electronics from entering landfills and directed state agencies to recycle all electronics. This legislation took effect in 2013, but comparable legislation was not passed this year.

E-Waste Legislation Passed in 2013

Assembly Bill 1459 was passed in New Jersey, which amends its electronics recycling law to waive manufacturing fees if less than 100 televisions are sold annually. Also, all manufacturers are permitted to roll over up to 25 percent of their TV collection obligation to the next program year.
Washington updated its e-waste program to include reporting requirements through House Bill 1498. The state also passed Senate Bill 5699, which exempts electronics licensors from participating in its stewardship program.
Mississippi does not have an e-waste program, but it did pass Senate Bill 2754, requiring the state Department of Environmental Quality to maintain a directory of R2 and e-Stewards certified recyclers in the state and requiring state agencies to use these certified recyclers to manage their e-waste.

There is currently no federal legislation in the U.S. that mandates the recycling of e-waste. Environmental responsibility is currently left in the hands of state governments to ban the disposal of e-waste into landfills. However, many e-waste bills are being left in limbo until after the New Year because state legislatures are now in recess or adjourned.

The EPA estimates that 70 to 80 percent of electronics recycling companies export toxic e-waste overseas for profit. Much of the e-waste exported ends up in landfills and poisons the environment and people.

To ensure e-waste is disposed of in a responsible manner, it is recommended that businesses and consumers recycle their used mobile devices and other e-waste with an e-Stewards electronics recycler. e-Stewards certified recyclers adhere to the highest global standards for reuse and recycling of electronic equipment and environmental protection. Learn more at http://www.e-Stewards.org.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

Published by mast in Uncategorized

Tags: cell phone recycling, e-Stewards, e-waste laws, RERA, sell cell phones

November 5, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

The E-Waste Impact of Tablet Programs In Schools

Revenue Recovery and Recycling are Essential to Device Management Policies

By 2016, the tablet to student ratio is estimated to reach 1:1. This movement is predicted to drastically improve education, but without an end-of-life management plan in place, it could cause catastrophic harm to the environment.

There are currently 55.2 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12^th grade in the United States. If each student is given one device and it is replaced every three years, each student will use 4.3 devices during their 13-year education. In all, that’s 237.5 million devices being utilized by students.

Unfortunately, 60% of school technology coordinators don’t have an end-of-life management plan, according to FundingFactory. Without a plan, these devices will either collect dust in a closet or be thrown into a landfill. The result is a loss of potential revenue and an abundance of pollution in the environment.

Educational institutions that don’t sell their devices to a responsible recycler are forfeiting a huge opportunity to put money back into their budgets. If only one device per student was recycled, schools could recover approximately $331 million.

In addition to the monetary incentive, it’s necessary to recycle mobile devices in order to protect the environment and future generations. Cell phones and tablets contain toxic metals including lead, mercury and cadmium. These toxins can leak into the groundwater and cause detrimental damage to the environment if they are not properly recycled.

Meeting the predicted surge of devices in the education sector with a solid end-of-life management plan is essential to protecting the environment. To ensure you recoup the maximum value of your mobile devices and that your end-of-life devices are not sent to a landfill, develop a plan that includes partnering with an e-Stewards recycler. The e-Stewards certification is the most stringent and globally recognized standard for electronic recyclers.

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e-Cycle is the trusted wireless partner for many of the largest organizations in the world. As the first mobile recycling company to achieve e-Stewards certification, we adhere to the highest standards for environmental responsibility and worker health and safety. e-Cycle offers a simple, secure, environmentally responsible and profitable way for businesses to sell and recycle used mobile phones and tablets. Learn more at www.e-Cycle.com.

Published by mast in Uncategorized

Tags: e-Waste, recycle cell phone, sell cell phone, sell tablet, tablet movement, tablets in schools