Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: June 7, 2006
|
For More Information
Contact
Cynthia Shipley
Supervisor
Public Relations
At (416) 392-5938 |
ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD
NEW Cellphone Recycling Program Launches at the Toronto Zoo
June 7, 2006, Toronto, Ontario: On June 6, 2006 The Toronto Zoo became the first zoo in Canada
to publicly launch its NEW cell phone recycling program, in partnership with ECO-Cell. For each cell
phone that is recycled, ECO-CELL will make a donation to the Toronto Zoo's Green Fund which
supports "green" initiatives.
Cell phone production requires a dull metallic ore called "Coltan", which is largely found in Eastern
areas of the Congo. The mining of this ore occurs in the middle of endangered gorilla and elephant
habitat. The U.N. has reported that in the past five years, the eastern lowland gorilla population in
the Congo has declined by 90%. Reducing the demand for "Coltan" will help save these animals and
their habitat. During 2006, it is estimated that approximately 40 million cell phones will be turned
over annually. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this quantity of cell phones is
equivalent to about 250,000 tonnes of toxic material.
"ECO-CELL is proud to be partnering with the Toronto Zoo," says ECO-CELL President Eric Ronay.
"The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier conservation organization and this program launch allows
the general public to directly participate in their vital efforts."
You can help by bringing in your old cellphone to the Toronto Zoo so this precious metal can be
recycled for new cell phones being made. Collection boxes are located at the Zoo's Guest Services
kiosk at the front entrance, the Administrative Building -361A Old Finch Avenue or at the Education
Building inside the Zoo's entrance. You can also mail your cell phone to: Toronto Zoo - Cell Phone
Recycling Program, Attention P. Rivera - Eco Zoo Green Team, 361A Old Finch Avenue
Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5K7.
If you or your company has a large number of cell phones OR you would like to have a collection box in your organization/company to support the Toronto Zoo please contact us at (416) 392 5947 or e-mail privera@torontozoo.ca. If you would like to make a donation to the Toronto Zoo Green Fund please call 416 392 9114 or visit www.torontozoo.com for full program details.
