eBay has expanded its Rethink Initiative to include companies involved in wireless telecommunications. The Rethink Initiative, launched in January 2005, brings together technology companies, government agencies, environmental groups and millions of eBay users to address the e-waste problem. The expansion marks one of the largest programs uniting wireless industry leaders in a collective effort to provide environmentally sound solutions to "e-waste," unused and obsolete cell phones and other electronics.

"Wireless devices, including cell phones, are one of the most commonly replaced and upgraded consumer electronics products, but individuals and businesses are often at a loss when it comes to getting rid of such items in environmentally sound ways," said Cathy Siciliano, director of eBay's Cell Phones & Portable Electronics categories. "Through Rethink, we want consumers to know that the industry has created a wealth of methods for them to dispose of those items responsibly, including finding new users for such goods by selling on eBay or donating to charity."

Wireless Rethink members have their reuse and/or recycling programs showcased in a "Member Solutions" section of the Rethink site. Site visitors can access other information about donating their used cell phones and other consumer electronics to charity or recycling them.

In addition, the Rethink site now houses eBay's "Cell Phone Selling Zone," a single online destination providing tools and information that make selling mobile devices on eBay easier (http://pages.ebay.com/rethink/cpsz/index.html). The Zone includes a guide providing approximate values of specific cell phone makes and models, instructions on posting such goods for sale on eBay, and advanced solutions to simplify shipping. Additionally, the Zone links individuals and businesses to third parties who will sell their cell phones on eBay for them.

http://www.ebay.com/rethink