e-Cycle mobile buyback and recycling company has been recognized as a finalist for the 2013 BlackBerry Achievement Awards. e-Cycle was selected from hundreds of businesses across the globe as one of three finalists in the 'Making the World a Better Place' category. The public can vote for e-Cycle and help choose a winner in each category at http://www.blackberrylive.com/special-programs/achievement-awards/vote.

The BlackBerry Achievement Awards aim to recognize the cutting-edge contributions of creative thinkers, from all corners of the globe. The awards bring together a community of exceptional businesses, entrepreneurs and developers who push the boundaries of what's possible, inspiring others to take advantage of all things BlackBerry®. The ‘Making the World a Better Place’ award showcases how the use of technology has made a positive impact on others.

The finalists who receive the most votes in their category will be determined as the winner for their innovative BlackBerry product. This year's winners will be announced at BlackBerry Live™ 2013 in Orlando, Florida, a gathering of inspirational telecom leaders.

About e-Cycle
e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices, reimbursing businesses for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry’s most rigorous mobile data security measures. Inc. ranked e-Cycle the #4 Fastest Growing Environmental Services Company in the U.S. and Forbes named e-Cycle the #68 Most Promising, Privately-Held Company in America. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the first and only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards, R2, and ISO 14001 certified. To securely sell your used mobile phones and tablets, visit www.e-Cycle.com or connect with e-Cycle on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+.

e-Cycle congratulates the nonprofit electronic recycling organization, Friendly Earth, on achieving e-Stewards Certification from the Basel Action Network. An e-Stewards Certification allows individuals and organizations to easily identify electronics recyclers that uphold the highest standards of environmental responsibility, data security and social responsibility. Seattle based, Friendly Earth offers free electronic recycling services to the public, which include an onsite drop-off location, as well as contracted pickups and community events.

e-Cycle is the first mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to achieve the e-Stewards certification. e-Cycle helps businesses and organizations take a more responsible, secure and cost effective approach to wireless recycling by collecting wireless phones and tablets from businesses and major organizations, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed through the industry’s most rigorous data security measures.

Visit www.e-Cycle.com to learn how you can sell and recycle your used cell phones and mobile devices while responsibly recycling e-waste.

Spring Break Getaway

Businesses, celebrate the beginning of Spring by cleaning out your organization’s used mobile devices and recycling them responsibly through e-Cycle. Any organization that sells and/or recycles their mobile devices with e-Cycle between now and March 31, 2013, is eligible to win one $500 airline gift card to the airline of their choice. View the official rules.

Entering the giveaway is easy:

• Request a Wireless Buyback Estimate to receive a no-obligation buyback quote for your mobile devices.
• Fill out the official entry form and include it with the package of mobile devices to be purchased and/or recycled.
• e-Cycle will email you a pre-paid shipping label* to ship your devices.
• Free mobile phone and accessory recycling and mobile data deletion.

e-Cycle provides secure, profitable and responsible solutions for reusing and recycling used mobile phones and devices. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all other wireless devices at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. To learn more about e-Cycle, visit www.e-cycle.com.

*Some restrictions apply. Visit our Current Promotions page or contact e-Cycle to learn more.

As a thought leader in our industry, e-Cycle is sharing a series of recommendations on how businesses can secure their sensitive corporate mobile data when implementing a BYOD program at their organization. Look for additional BYOD data security solution videos coming soon.

e-Cycle provides secure, profitable and responsible solutions for reusing and recycling used mobile phones and devices. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all other wireless devices at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified.

To securely sell your used mobile phones and tablets, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

The first mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to achieve the status of e-Stewards certification, e-Cycle, congratulates LifeSpan on achieving the rigorous e-Stewards Certification at four of their U.S. locations. LifeSpan specializes in Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD), secure data destruction, IT remarketing, and electronics recycling. The company’s Denver, Tampa, Omaha and San Diego locations have received the stringent certification.

This accomplishment secures LifeSpan as a leader in responsible recycling, environmental protection and international legal compliance. e-Stewards is the globally recognized certification that ensures electronic recyclers consistently uphold the highest standards for responsible recycling and reuse of electronic equipment, worker safety and data security. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that 70-80% of “reputable” recyclers are sending e-waste to remote villages in developing countries where harmful practices and the use of slave labor are often used to reclaim the precious metals inside electronic devices. e-Stewards certified recyclers adhere to the most rigorous social and environmental standards. This is the only global certification that strictly prohibits the export of toxic e-waste into developing countries and bans the use of child and prison labor.

The EPA estimates that 150 million (four per second) used wireless devices end up in landfills each year, polluting the environment and our waterways. e-Cycle helps businesses and organizations take a more responsible, secure and cost effective approach to wireless recycling. e-Cycle collects wireless phones from businesses and major organizations, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed through the industry’s most rigorous data security measures.

To find out more about how to safely sell or recycle used mobile devices with e-Stewards certified e-Cycle, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

Utilize e-Stewards Certified e-Recyclers to responsibly recycle used electronics and wireless devices 

Continual technological advancements are bringing a myriad of new electronic devices to the consumer and enterprise markets. However, what happens to the used, outdated gadgets, tablets and smartphones? The Basel Action Network provides guidelines to ensure the safe and secure recycling of used electronics.

1. Never toss used technology in the trash
Used electronics contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, arsenic as well as other toxic chemicals that have been proven to cause cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption and other major health issues. When e-Waste ends up in landfill, these chemicals can leach into ground contaminating the soil and water. In fact, the chemicals contained inside of a single cell phone can pollute approximately 40,000 gallons of water.

2.  Do not store your used electronics in desk drawers and closets
Even though the best use for old technology is reuse, repair and refurbishment, most used electronics will end up collecting dust in storage closets, desk drawers or garages. Mobile phones and electronic devices can maintain value up to 18 to 36 months of use and often e-Recyclers provide payment for your unused wireless technologies. However, the value of these devices diminishes rapidly so be sure to responsible recycle your used electronics and mobile devices as soon as they are replaced.

3.  Recycle used mobile electronic technologies with e-Stewards® Certified recyclers or refurbishers
Many uncertified recyclers will not recycle used electronics and mobile devices but instead ship them to scrap brokers overseas. The EPA estimates that 70 to 80 percent of electronics recycling companies in this country either directly or indirectly export e-Waste into toxic dumping grounds overseas. Once there, primitive and highly hazardous methods are used to break down the electronics to extract the valuable materials contained inside. According to Executive Director of BAN, Jim Puckett, “Most recyclers claim they are ‘green’ yet they will simply ship off your old electronics to highly polluting operations in developing countries.”

e-Stewards Certified recyclers adhere to the most rigorous social and environmental standards. However, non e-Stewards certified recyclers often exploit cheap, prison labor to process these computers and wireless devices, exposing criminals to private personal and business data. These recyclers may also utilize downstream vendors that dispose of electronic gadgets in our local landfills.

The e-Stewards® Certified Recyclers Ensure the Highest Level of Environmental Protection, Data Security and Worker Safety
Developed by the Basel Action Network (BAN) together with industry leaders, the e-Stewards Recycler Certification program gives consumers, companies and governments an easy way of finding responsible recyclers and refurbishers. The world’s most rigorous standard for electronics recycling, e-Stewards Certification ensures certified recyclers consistently conform to the highest standards for responsible recycling and reuse of electronic equipment, worker safety and data security. This globally recognized program is the only certification that strictly prohibits the export of toxic e-waste into developing countries and bans the use of child and prison labor. To find an e-Stewards certified recycler, visit the e-Stewards website at http://find.e-Stewards.org.

e-Cycle is the First Mobile Phone Recycling and Buyback Company to Achieve e-Stewards Certification
In January 2012, e-Cycle became the first mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. Helping organizations take a more responsible, secure and cost-effective approach to wireless recycling, e-Cycle collects mobile phones from businesses and major organizations, reimbursing them for wireless devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed through the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In 2012, e-Cycle was ranked the #68 most promising company in America by Forbes as well as the #4 fastest growing, environmental services company in the U.S. on the Inc. 500 list. For more information, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine recognizes the mobile buyback and recycling company CEO for ensuring e-Cycle’s supply chain continues to meet evolving needs.

Christopher Irion, co-founder and CEO of mobile recycling and buyback company e-Cycle LLC, has been recognized as a 2013 “Pros to Know” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine.

Each year, Supply & Demand Chain Executive honors supply chain management’s best and brightest, recognizing exceptional supply chain executives at manufacturing and nonmanufacturing enterprises who lead initiatives to help prepare their companies’ supply chains for the times ahead. This is the 13^th year for the Pros to Know awards. Supply chain professionals bring value to the bottom line by applying their knowledge, experience and innovative thinking to manage risk in the supply chain while providing a competitive advantage.

“We appreciate the recognition from Supply & Demand Chain Executive, as it is a reflection of the hard work and commitment that our entire e-Cycle team delivers each and every day,” Irion said. “We’ve experienced tremendous growth as a mobile buyback and recycling company committed to helping companies and organizations responsibly recycle devices to the highest environmental standards. Growth often brings its own challenges, and our team has ensured our supply chain continues to meet our evolving needs as well as those of our customers.”

Supply & Demand Chain Executive will feature the Pros to Know in its March 2013 issue and on its website at http://www.sdcexec.com.

About e-Cycle
Co-founded by Tonia and Christopher Irion in 2005, e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry’s most rigorous mobile data security measures. Inc. ranked e-Cycle the #4 Fastest Growing Environmental Services Company in the U.S. and Forbes named e-Cycle the #68 Most Promising, Privately-Held Company in America. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the first and only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards, R2 and ISO 14001 certified. For more information, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

e-Cycle, mobile buyback and recycling company, has been honored as an award finalist by the internationally renowned Edison Awards™. e-Cycle was selected as a finalist out of 6,000 applications in the Innovative Services category, one of twelve categories recognized by the Edison Awards. These distinguished awards symbolize the persistence and excellence personified by American inventor Thomas Edison, inspiring creative minds to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and cost-effective approach to wireless recycling. The company collects wireless phones from businesses and major organizations, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed through the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In 2012, Inc. magazine ranked e-Cycle the #4 fastest growing environmental services company in the U.S. and Forbes ranked e-Cycle the #68 most promising, privately-held company in America. e-Cycle is also the first mobile buyback and recycling company in the U.S. to achieve e-Stewards® certification.

“We at e-Cycle are honored to be considered for this prestigious award,” said e-Cycle CEO, Christopher Irion, “e-Cycle was built on commitment to innovation and we are continuously improving our processes to deliver outstanding customer service, environmental stewardship and value to the community.”

This year’s nominees for the Edison Awards were judged by more than 3,000 senior business executives and academics from across the nation whose votes acknowledge the Finalists’ success in meeting the award criteria of Concept, Value, Delivery and Impact. The Panel includes members of the Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), the American Association Advertising Agencies (4As) the Chief Marketing Officer Council (CMO), the Design Management Institute (DMI), the American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC) the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Association of Technology Management & Applied Engineering (ATMAE). In addition, the Panel involves hundreds of past Edison Award winners, marketing professionals, scientists, designers, engineers and academics.

“More than any year, this year's slate of finalists demonstrate the enormous value of teamwork, experimentation, consumer focus, market awareness and game-changing success,” said Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards’ executive director. “It’s exciting to see companies like e-Cycle continuing Thomas Edison’s legacy of challenging conventional thinking.”

Winners will be announced at the 2013 Edison Awards Annual Gala on April 25, 2013, held in the Grand Ballroom at the historic Navy Pier in Chicago, Ill.

The Edison Awards is a program conducted by Edison Universe, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to fostering future innovators. The 2013 Edison Awards are sponsored by Nielsen, Discovery Communications, Science Channel, and USA Today. For more information about the Edison Awards, Edison Universe and a list of past winners, visit www.edisonawards.com.

Fox 9 News in Minneapolis, Minn., recently broadcasted their investigation into mobile data security revealing how private data can remain on your phone even after you thought it had been wiped clean. Six volunteers handed over their old smartphones to forensic investigator experts, which were then mined for confidential data. It didn't take long for the forensic experts to find private information including email passwords, geographic location coordinates, Twitter information, Facebook credentials and even access to a voicemail account. Of the six phones that were investigated, the experts recovered sensitive data from three of the mobile devices.

KMSP-TV

While businesses and individuals should never completely trust the delete function on their mobile devices, destroying your mobile phone to secure private mobile data is dangerous and can cause fires from the chemicals in the lithium-ion battery. There is also the risk of exposure to broken glass, hazardous battery chemicals and the metals that are inside your device. From an environmental standpoint, extending the life of your wireless device through reuse makes a 40% more positive environmental impact in terms of energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions. By destroying your used mobile devices, you are endangering yourself and the environment. Additionally, you may be losing out on revenue potential from selling your devices so they can be reused in secondary markets where the technology is greatly needed. Businesses and individuals can protect their private data by recycling their wireless devices through a mobile recycling company that is e-Stewards certified.

Utilizing an e-Stewards^® certified mobile buyback and recycling company is the only way to guarantee your confidential mobile data remains secure. e-Stewards, the world’s most rigorous standard for electronics recycling, ensures certified recyclers consistently conform to the highest standards for responsible recycling of electronic equipment, data security and worker safety. Businesses and individuals should insist that their recycling partners utilize third-party forensic auditors to validate data deletion processes and do not outsource their data deletion services to non-certified partners.

e-Cycle Provides a Secure, Profitable and Responsible Way to Protect Your Private Mobile Data

e-Cycle mobile buyback, data security and recycling company provides a secure, profitable and responsible solution for reselling and recycling used mobile phones and devices. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all other wireless devices at no charge. The information on every phone is destroyed using the wireless industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified.

Sell and recycle your used mobile phones now and protect your data. Visit www.e-Cycle.com.

A recent study by Recon Analytics reveals that mobile phone users in the United States upgrade their wireless devices approximately every 21 months, more often than any other country in the world. As technologies continue to advance and the pace of launch increases, enterprises are experiencing a quick turnaround for their smartphones and tablets.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 82% of electronic waste ends up in landfills each year and only 18% is collected for recycling. There are a number of options for disposing or recycling used smartphones and tablets, however, most of these mobile recycling organizations do not wipe the sensitive business and personal data that remains on these mobile devices. Though many mobile buyback and recycling companies claim data deletion, their terms and conditions will state that they take no responsibility for the private data on the devices and this responsibility relies solely on the owner. According to David Smith, senior director of customer solutions at GENCO, “As of today, industry standards for the removal of customer personal information (CPI) do not exist.”

Many businesses and organizations implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to protect the confidential business data on both corporate-liable and BYOD mobile devices. However, if these policies are not fully controlled or enforced, an employee could inadvertently cause a security breach when their smartphone is improperly discarded along with the confidential mobile data stored inside.  Even when employees take precautionary steps such as removing the device SIM card or resetting the device to the factory settings, there are often hidden menus and additional internal memory that remain on the mobile devices. These areas store confidential data such as important correspondence, confidential pins and personal or business contacts.

As businesses and organizations upgrade to the new BlackBerry 10, a number of used mobile BlackBerrys will be recycled or resold in the secondary market. According to a survey by Consumer Intelligence Partners, after the release of the iPhone 4S, 53% of those who upgraded placed their used mobile devices on the secondary market. Wireless mobile phones and devices routinely appear on consumer sites such as eBay, Amazon and Craigslist with sensitive data still intact. A security expert, Robert Siciliano, tested this by purchasing 20 mobile devices from Craigslist users in 2012, finding private data on three of the devices.

e-Cycle mobile buyback, data security and recycling company offers a safe and profitable way for businesses and organizations to protect their confidential data when recycling their used mobile phones and devices. According to e-Cycle CEO, Christopher Irion, 95% of the used enterprise mobile phones and devices e-Cycle receives still contain important data, even though the organizations claim that they took the necessary steps to delete all pertinent information. Not only does e-Cycle increase their clients revenue by reimbursing them for all wireless devices that retain resale value but also provides critically needed recycling and data security as complimentary services. The information on every mobile phone is either deleted or destroyed using the wireless industry’s most rigorous data security measures.

Sell and recycle your mobile phones now and protect your data. Visit www.e-Cycle.com.

For more information, view the article Data in the Dumpster by Stephanie Blanchard, Assistant Editor of Mobile Enterprise.