Middletown Alliance goes 'green'

MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse announced the launch of a new fundraiser that promises to make the township a little greener.

The alliance is networking with The Wireless Alliance, a nationwide program aimed at protecting the environment and raising funds for organizations by collecting some of the 50 million used cell phones lying idle in homes and offices. MP3 players, iPods and PDAs in any condition are included in the collection.

"Many people after upgrading services or changing plans do not know what to do with their old cell phones and simply end up throwing them away. This is very dangerous for our environment because cell phones contain hazardous materials. We are offering an alternative means of disposal by recycling your old phones. By collecting these phones, we help protect the environment and raise funds to support drug education and prevention activities," said retired Detective Sgt. Michael Slover, alliance chairperson.

Residents can bring unwanted cell phones, MP3 players, iPods and PDAs to Crossroads at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, or use the drop-off boxes that will be placed in township facilities. The company will pay the alliance for each collected cell phone that has value, said Slover. He noted there is no cost to the township for participation in the program.

The Wireless Alliance refurbishes, reprograms and recycles the cell phones, MP3 players, iPods and PDAs and sells them in secondary and overseas markets where there is a demand for the product. The company recycles 100 percent of the parts so that nothing from a phone or other electronic device goes into a landfill, said Slover.

Call the alliance at (732) 615-2269 for more information.