Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced that the Office of Attorney General will again hold a cell phone recycling drive throughout the month of January to benefit victims of domestic violence and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV).
The program is supported by Verizon Wireless and the company's HopeLine™ program, a recycling program that supports domestic violence coalitions throughout the country, including the RICADV.
Attorney General Kilmartin invites the public to drop off used cell phones and wireless accessories at the Office of Attorney General in Providence and courthouse offices in Newport, Warwick, and Wakefield.
"Since we stated this initiative five years ago, we have collected thousands of discarded phones to help the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its member agencies thanks to the generosity of Rhode Islanders," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "Through Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program, an old cell phone is transformed into a lifeline for victims of domestic violence. This cell phone drive is a great way to safely and securely discard old cell phones while helping victims of domestic violence escape their abusers."
"We are grateful to Rhode Island residents who donate wireless phones to the HopeLine program. Their contributions help provide a vital link between domestic violence victims and emergency services, family and friends," said Andrew Testa, Northeast PR Manager for Verizon. "Donating a wireless phone to HopeLine is an easy way to support organizations throughout the state, like the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, that help address this very serious issue."
Wireless phones donated to HopeLine are refurbished and sold for reuse, generating proceeds for the program. Additionally, new HopeLine phones – complete with 3,000 minutes of wireless service – are provided at no cost to local domestic violence organizations or local government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients. If donated phones are unsalvageable, they are recycled in an environmentally sound way under a zero landfill policy.
How it Works: Donate old and discarded cell phones, batteries, chargers, and all other wireless accessories at any of the drop-off locations below.
Privacy Concerns: The Office of Attorney General takes the protection of consumer information seriously. We encourage everyone who plans to donate a cell phone to erase any personal data on the phone before donating.
As part of the Verizon Wireless refurbishing process, phones donated specifically to HopeLine are put through an extensive refurbishing process to ensure that personal data such as phone numbers, messages, games, and images are all removed. For more information please visit www.verizonwireless.com/HopeLine.
Locations: Drop-off locations are at Attorney General Offices in Providence and inside the various courthouses. Drop-off hours: 8:30 am. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Office of the Attorney General - 150 South Main Street, Providence
Kent County Courthouse/James W. Leighton Judicial Complex - 222 Quaker Lane, Warwick
Washington County Courthouse/McGrath Judicial Complex - 4800 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield
Newport County Court House - Eisenhower Square - Newport
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island. The organization not only supports and gives leadership to the six member agencies, but also strives to create justice for victims, and create awareness on the issue of domestic violence in RI.