Protecting Our Oceans One Device at a Time: 911 Cell Phone Bank’s Commitment to Sustainable Recycling on World Ocean Day

June 8th – World Ocean Day is a global movement that unites individuals and organizations to protect and restore our blue planet. As we celebrate this important day, the 911 Cell Phone Bank urges businesses and organizations to join the fight against electronic waste (e-waste) pollution by properly recycling unclaimed and unused mobile and other electronic devices.

The impact of e-waste on both land and sea is undeniable. When electronic devices are discarded improperly, they release harmful greenhouse gases, leach toxic heavy metals into the soil and groundwater, and threaten marine ecosystems. These pollutants eventually make their way into rivers and oceans, further endangering aquatic life and disrupting the delicate balance of marine environments.

Since its inception, World Ocean Day has grown into a global movement, with over 2,000 organizations in 180 countries working together to catalyze collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate. The United Nations officially recognized the day in 2008, and with continued advocacy and collaboration, efforts to preserve our one world ocean have only strengthened.

A healthy ocean is vital to our planet’s well-being, generating most of the oxygen we breathe, regulating climate, and providing sustenance and inspiration to billions. It is also a reminder that land and sea are deeply connected—what we do with our waste on land ultimately impacts the health of our waters. That’s why responsible e-waste recycling is more than just an environmental initiative; it’s a call to action for protecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

The 911 Cell Phone Bank provides a secure and environmentally responsible way to recycle electronic devices while supporting law enforcement and advocacy organizations. By repurposing unclaimed lost-and-found phones and electronic devices, we reduce waste while also providing critical resources to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

How You Can Help

This World Ocean Day, the 911 Cell Phone Bank invites individuals, organizations with lost-and-found departments—including airports, hotels, amusement parks, and public transit agencies,—and property-and-evidence departments to take a stand against e-waste pollution. By donating unused and unclaimed devices to the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we all contribute to a cleaner environment while helping individuals in need.

Together, we can take collective action to protect our oceans and our communities. Visit www.911cellphonebank.org or call 866-290-7846 to learn more about how you can make a difference.

About 911 Cell Phone Bank

The 911 Cell Phone Bank (501c3) provides a 100% free service to individuals, businesses, and agencies across the country to securely recycle electronic devices that are no longer needed, or that have been left behind in lost-and-found or property-and-evidence rooms. After secure data erasure, devices are provided to law enforcement and victim service agencies to assist victims of human trafficking and domestic violence through a self-sustaining program model. Since 2004, 250,000+ victims assisted and 1M+ lbs of e-waste diverted from landfills.