ALLTEL Expands Wireless Phone Recycling Efforts For Communities; 'EcoSmart' Program Targets Collecting 1 Million Pounds Annually

Business Wire, Nov 22, 2004

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- ALLTEL (NYSE:AT) is expanding its efforts to support local charities through an enhanced wireless phone recycling program that aims to keep about 1 million pounds of electronic waste out of landfills annually.

Underscoring the commitment, in October ALLTEL collected nearly 70,000 used wireless phones, including more than 1,000 in one day earlier this month from employees at corporate headquarters. The handsets are sold for refurbishing, and ALLTEL will give a portion of the proceeds to nonprofit organizations.

Under the program known as "EcoSmart," customers can deposit their used handsets in specially marked drop boxes at more than 500 ALLTEL stores.

"With the average 18-month lifespan of a wireless phone, millions of phones are going inactive and should be recycled," said Lewis Langston, executive vice president of process and operations support for ALLTEL. "Our goal is to do our part for the environment in the communities we serve. We encourage customers to join us in this worthwhile effort."

Since the 1990s, ALLTEL has been actively recycling used wireless handsets in the Wireless Foundation's national campaign to provide refurbished phones for the "Call to Protect" domestic violence program. ALLTEL will continue to support "Call to Protect" while also contributing to other local charities, Langston said.

ALLTEL also recycles wireless phone batteries and accessories.

ALLTEL is a customer-focused communications company with more than 13 million customers and $8 billion in annual revenues. ALLTEL provides wireless, local telephone, long-distance, Internet and high-speed data services to residential and business customers in 26 states.

ALLTEL, NYSE: AT

www.alltel.com