Sims Recycling Solutions has launched an online service to buy back cell phones.
The West Chicago-based Sims said in a news release it has started Zombie Phone, which allows individuals to sell their used phones and receive a payment from Sims.
The phones received will be processed at Sims Recycling’s West Chicago plant. The phones either will be resold or dismantled. With dismantled phones, the reusable components will be recovered and all remaining materials recycled.
Visitors to Zombie Phone enter their phone information and get a payment offer. If the consumer accepts the offer they get an envelope or shipping label to send the phone to Sims for free.
Sims will check all the phones it receives to make sure they weren’t lost, stolen or blocked. Those resold will undergo secure data erasure.
Of the 141 million mobile devices available for recycling, only 11.7 million were collected, said Steve Skurnac, Sims Recycling president.