Texans Can Celebrate Earth Day, Preserve Environment By Recycling Outdated Wireless Phones

DALLAS, TX — Verizon Wireless invites Texas residents to honor Earth Day (April 22) and help preserve the environment by dropping off used or outdated wireless phones at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the state. Phones from any carrier in any condition will be accepted.

"Celebrate Earth Day and help preserve your community by dropping off an old cell phone to any Verizon Wireless retail location," said Luis M. Cruz, region president for Verizon Wireless. "Participation in our phone recycling program already has kept tons of waste out of the environment, and it results in many benefits for the community."

Last year, the company collected for proper disposal and/or recycling approximately 750,000 wireless phones that otherwise would have ended up in landfills in Texas and around the nation. Since 2001, Verizon Wireless recycling efforts have kept more than 250 tons of electronics waste and batteries from being dumped into the environment.

In addition to the environmental benefits, many of the collected phones will be refurbished and donated, along with free airtime and cash contributions, to domestic violence shelters and agencies in Texas through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program. In 2004, Verizon Wireless provided more than $100,000 in cash and services to domestic violence organizations across the state.

"Texas shelters and support organizations benefit directly through our HopeLine program," Cruz said. "Contributions of old phones create a great cycle of benefits for our communities."

In addition to visiting a Verizon Wireless store, residents may send old phones and accessories to Verizon Wireless HopeLine, c/o ReCellular Inc., 2555 Bishop Circle W., Dexter, MI 48130.

For additional information, visit the company's Web site at www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About HopeLine
Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence, works to prevent domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue through the company's HopeLine program. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2005, HopeLine today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider then refurbishes and sells or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence, providing financial support and essential communication tools such wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at any Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

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