By Kristen Rapin, kr323705@ohio.edu

Used cell phones were collected as part of an effort by the J. Warren McClure School of Information and Telecom Systems to minimize effects of E-waste. The proceeds from this drive will go to benefit Kids on Campus.

Devin McCormick (left) and Britney Grimmelsman collect used cell phones outside of Baker Center Wednesday as part of an effort by the J. Warren McClure School of Information and Telecommunications Systems to minimize effects of E-waste. The proceeds from this drive will go to benefit Kids on Campus. / Photos by Maisie Crow

ATHENS, Ohio (May 11, 2009)—The Telecommunication Systems Management Association held its second annual cell phone drive on the Ohio University campus May 4-6. The group collected used cell phones and accessories to raise money for Kids on Campus while helping the environment.

“The drive benefits everybody,” TSMA president Russ Brocker said. “It helps community members get rid of the cell phones in their drawers, it keeps the environment clean, and it provides local children opportunities that only Kids on Campus can provide them.”

Brocker said recycling these cell phones minimizes the impact resource extraction has on the environment, as well as prevent materials such as arsenic, copper and lead from entering the water, soil and air.

“We have to be proactive when it comes to addressing the issue of e-waste,” said Brocker.

The club will be sending the cell phones to Eco-Cell, an environmentally-friendly electronic waste collection company where the phones will be reused, reset and refurbished.

Eco-Cell will provide $1 for each cell phone collected and the proceeds will be donated to Kids on Campus, a local non-profit organization that provides under-served at-risk children with summer and afterschool activities.

“The event has been a fun bonding experience for us, and a way to get TSMA’s name out,” said junior Britney Grimmelsman who does PR for TSMA. “It’s a great way to help the environment, while also helping a local organization like Kids on Campus.”

For more about TSMA, visit http://www.ohio.edu/mcclure/undergrad/tsma/.