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For Immediate Release 
December 17, 2013

Contact:
Mark Carpenter
MarkCarpenter@isri.org

Washington, DC – The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) today applauded as a good first step the recent agreement between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and wireless carriers allowing consumers to “unlock” or circumvent cellphones at the end of their service agreement and switch carriers using the same phone. The agreement will also apply to electronics refurbishers, therefore making it easier and more profitable to return reusable cellphones back into the global marketplace.

“The agreement is a move in the right direction that will help recyclers extend the life of used cellphones,” said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. “While we still must ensure that recyclers and refurbishers are allowed to unlock phones on their own, this agreement is good for the cellphone market and good for the environment.” 

The deal between the FCC and phone companies will allow consumers to request the provider unlock a phone at the end of the service contract. The provider then has two days to comply. 

This move comes after the ReMA board of directors in October approved a new policy supporting the ability of recyclers and refurbishers to unlock technological devices such as cellphones, tablets and other electronics. Current copyright law makes the U.S. the only country where recyclers do not have the ability to unlock devices, standing in the way of advances in the reuse of technological devices and new innovations and competitive uses.

The issue has bipartisan support on Capitol Hill. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) introduced the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act (HR 1123), with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) sponsoring companion legislation. The Obama Administration also supports the ability to unlock devices.

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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI)
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the Voice of the Recycling Industry™. ReMA represents more than 1,700 companies in 21 chapters nationwide that process, broker and industrially consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides safety, education, advocacy, and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.