Sprint Nextel Supports Earth Day with Reminder to Recycle Wireless Phones; Sprint Retail Stores Collect Old Wireless Phones to Protect the Environment and Raise Money for Education

Business Wire, April 20, 2006

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- In celebration of Earth Day 2006 (April 22), Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) is encouraging consumers to help protect the environment by dropping off their end-of-life wireless phones at most Sprint and Nextel retail stores nationwide or by printing a postage-paid shipping label from www.sprint.com/community. Phones of any make or model, including accessories such as batteries, can be contributed to Sprint Project Connect(SM), Sprint Nextel's wireless recycling program that generates proceeds to benefit K-12 education programs.

"There is no better time than Spring Cleaning to donate your old wireless phone to Sprint Project Connect. It's a simple way to clear clutter that will go a long way toward protecting our environment for the future," said Ralph Reid, Sprint Nextel vice president, corporate social responsibility. "Sprint Nextel has already kept millions of phones out of the waste stream and we remain dedicated to collecting many more."

Innovative Recycling Methods

Since 2001, Sprint Nextel has collected nearly seven million wireless devices that otherwise would have ended up in landfills. Rather than allow these old phones to go to waste, the company is using innovative methods to recycle them. One of the ways Sprint Nextel helps repurpose wireless components such as batteries, plastic and metal is to send them for reuse in household or commercial products such as replacement automotive dashboards or bumpers and rechargeable battery packs, for example.

"Handset recycling is an important part of Sprint Nextel's environmental commitment. As a leader for socially responsible solutions to cell phone waste, we are constantly seeking creative ways to re-use every piece of our wireless devices and reduce environmental impact," said Gary Moore, Sprint Nextel manager, service and repair. "As we continue to enhance our recycling program, we look forward to exploring partnerships that will help improve our process and identify new and better ways to recycle end-of-life wireless phones."

Sprint Project Connect Recycling Program

In addition to recycling, Sprint Nextel also refurbishes wireless phones. Handsets are inspected, reconditioned and resold with 100 percent of the net proceeds going to Sprint Project Connect to benefit K-12 education programs dedicated to increasing student achievement, family involvement and educator development. Since the program's inception, Sprint Project Connect has raised more than $3 million for charitable programs.

"Donating your wireless phone to Sprint Project Connect isn't just beneficial for the environment. By contributing, you're actually turning 'one person's trash into another person's treasure.'" Reid said. "We're pleased to be able to say that all of the dollars generated from Sprint Project Connect go directly to support excellence in education and help ensure a brighter future for our children."

Sprint Project Connect was one of the first nationwide wireless recycling programs. Sprint Project Connect collection boxes can be found at most Sprint and Nextel stores across the country. Handset and accessory donations are also accepted through the mail. Free, postage-paid shipping labels are available online. More information about Sprint Project Connect can be found by visiting www.sprint.com/community.> About Sprint Project Connect

Sprint Project Connect is a nationwide wireless phone donation and recycling program that raises funds for K-12 education programs while providing an environmentally friendly way to dispose of used wireless phones. Phones are recycled or refurbished and resold with proceeds benefiting K-12 education programs through the Sprint Foundation. For more information visit www.sprint.com/community.> About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of communications services bringing mobility to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.