U.S. Cellular has taken the lead in protecting the environment by teaming up with RMS Communications to collect unused wireless phones to safely dispose of them and protect the environment and public health from hazardous waste.

CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) July 25, 2004 -- U.S. Cellular, the nation's eighth largest wireless communications company, has begun the Community Action Recycling Effort (C.A.R.E.) program to collect unused cell phones for the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the environment.

Each time a cell phone customer changes to a new cellular service provider, or upgrades to a better phone, their old phone ends up in a drawer, or worse it goes to the local landfill.

According to Inform Inc., a non profit independent research organization, by 2005, about 130 million cellular phones will be retired each year in the U.S. Environmental groups have sounded a loud warning about the potential damage this could cause if those phones end up in landfills because of the hazardous chemicals they contain.

U.S. Cellular has partnered with RMS Communications Group to enable the public to turn in old wireless phones at any of more than 500 U.S. Cellular-owned retail locations in 26 states, as well as at many other independently owned locations. The program has been under way for just two months and already thousands of phones have been turned in.

"The objective of the C.A.R.E. program is to recover the value of unused wireless handsets in the possession of consumers and businesses nationwide while safely disposing of unused handsets that hold little or no value," said James Mosieur CEO of RMS Communications Group, Inc.

Proceeds from the collection of used cellular phones are donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, which was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top ten charities worthy of donor consideration.

"We are pleased the program has been so well received," said Mosieur. "A significant number of wireless phones are taking up space in the desks and closets of America. Many of these phones carry value, some significant value. All of them have hazardous substances that pose a threat to the environment and public health if not disposed of properly."

Everyone comes out a winner because of the joint efforts of U.S. Cellular and RMS Communications. Members of the public have an easy way to dispose of old cell phones, a donation is made to a charity for each phone turned in, and U.S. Cellular gains increased community recognition as a philanthropic and environmentally responsible company.

People in locations other than the 26 states where U.S. Cellular offers collection locations can send phones to RMS Communications by mail at no cost to them.

About U.S. Cellular
Based in Chicago, U.S. Cellular Corporation is the nation's eighth largest wireless telecommunications provider. Since its founding in 1983, U.S. Cellular has grown to provide wireless service to more than 4.4 million customers in 147 markets throughout 26 states.

U.S. Cellular's strategy is to provide superior customer service and support. Through its six state-of-the-art Customer Care Centers located in Medford, Ore.; Tulsa, Okla.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Madison, Wis.; Waukesha, Wis.; and Knoxville, Tenn., as well as its more than 500 retail locations nationwide, U.S. Cellular provides a level of service that makes it stand out in the competitive wireless industry.

In addition to being a leader in the wireless industry, U.S. Cellular is committed to serving as a responsible corporate citizen throughout its communities. Through its monetary contributions, donated telecommunication services, community relations programs and associate volunteer activities, U.S. Cellular has established a strong community presence across the nation and has touched the lives of many, including the homeless, elementary school children and victims of domestic violence.

About CellForCash.com
More information can be found at www.CellForCash.com .

About RMS Communications Group, Inc.
Since 1985 RMS Communications Group, Inc. has been a leading wireless wholesaler with customers all over the world. They support the wireless industry with innovative services designed to help service providers, wireless agents and corporate customers get the most out of their wireless devices. More information on RMS is available at www.rmscomm.com. The company operates www.CellForCash.com , which provides consumers and businesses a convenient way to receive cash for cell phones that otherwise lay idle.

Contact:
James Mosieur
RMS Communications Group, Inc
4551 NW 44th
Ocala, FL 34482
Phone: 352-369-3888
e-mail protected from spam bots

David M. Bresnahan, 801-562-5362
www.ThatPRGuy.com