Electronic Waste & Recycling Policy

Electronic Waste (E-Waste) & Recycling Policy – The Phone Supply Co.
Last Updated: June 3, 2026
About This Policy: The Phone Supply Co., operated by The Illustrious King Limited Co. (95 Front St., Robins, IA 52328), sells phone accessories — including charging solutions, audio devices, and protective cases — exclusively to customers in the United States. This policy explains what electronic waste means for our product categories, how you can recycle responsibly, and what federal and state laws apply. We do not manufacture devices, but we take our role as a responsible retailer seriously.

Contents

  1. 1. What Is Electronic Waste (E-Waste)?
  2. 2. Our Products & E-Waste Coverage
  3. 3. Federal Law & Regulations
  4. 4. State-by-State E-Waste Laws
  5. 5. California: Recycling Fees & SB 1215
  6. 6. Battery Disposal Requirements
  7. 7. How to Recycle Your Old Devices
  8. 8. Gazelle Trade-In & Recycling Partner
  9. 9. Data Security Before Recycling
  10. 10. Prohibited Disposal Methods
  11. 11. State Landfill Bans
  12. 12. Our Environmental Commitment
  13. 13. Contact Us About Recycling

1. What Is Electronic Waste (E-Waste)?

Definition, environmental impact, and why it matters

Electronic waste — commonly called e-waste — refers to any unwanted, broken, end-of-life, or no-longer-used electronic device or component. This includes not only large appliances and computers but also the smaller consumer electronics that The Phone Supply Co. sells: power banks, wireless chargers, earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, and charging cables that contain embedded electronic components.

E-waste is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. solid waste stream. Electronics contain hazardous materials — including lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, and flame retardants — that can contaminate soil and groundwater when dumped in landfills or incinerated without proper controls. At the same time, electronics contain recoverable valuable materials like copper, gold, silver, and rare earth metals that can be reclaimed through certified recycling, reducing the need for new mining.

62M+
Metric Tons of E-Waste Globally (2023)
3×
E-Waste Grows Faster Than Regular Trash
25+
U.S. States With Active E-Waste Recycling Laws
17.6%
Global E-Waste Formally Recycled (2022)
Why This Matters for Phone Accessories: Many phone accessories — including wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, portable power banks, and wireless charging pads — contain lithium-ion batteries classified as hazardous waste under federal and many state laws. These items cannot legally be placed in regular household trash or recycling bins in most jurisdictions.

2. Our Products & E-Waste Coverage

Which products we sell and how they apply to e-waste rules

The Phone Supply Co. sells phone accessories from trusted brands including Kate Spade, ZAGG, mophie, Belkin, and Skullcandy through authorized distribution channels. Our product categories and their relevant e-waste classifications are outlined below.

Products Containing Batteries

Portable Power Banks & Charging Cases

Contain lithium-ion batteries. Subject to battery disposal laws in all 50 states. Cannot be placed in regular trash. Must be recycled through a designated drop-off or take-back program.

Wireless Earbuds & Bluetooth Headphones

Contain embedded rechargeable batteries. In California (effective January 1, 2026), a recycling fee applies at the point of sale under SB 1215. Must be recycled, not landfilled.

Bluetooth Speakers with Built-In Batteries

Classified as Covered Battery-Embedded Products (CBEPs) under California law effective January 1, 2026. A 1.5% recycling fee (capped at $15) applies in California.

Wireless Charging Pads (with Electronics)

Electronic components are subject to e-waste rules where applicable. Should be recycled through electronics take-back programs rather than placed in household waste.

Products Without Batteries

Phone Cases & Protective Covers

Made primarily from plastic, rubber, or silicone. Not classified as electronic waste under most state laws. However, they should be disposed of in accordance with local plastic recycling guidelines where applicable.

Screen Protectors (Tempered Glass / Film)

Glass or film-based products. Not classified as electronic waste. Tempered glass cannot typically be recycled in curbside recycling and should be disposed of as regular waste or through specialty glass recycling.

Wired Chargers & Cables (Without Batteries)

USB cables and basic wall chargers contain copper and electronic components. These should be recycled through electronics take-back programs rather than placed in household trash. Many retailers accept cable donations or recycling.

Wired Earphones & Headphones

Contain copper wire and small electronic drivers. Not classified as electronic waste in most states, but should be recycled through electronics take-back programs rather than placed in household trash to recover copper and prevent landfill accumulation.

Important Clarification: The Phone Supply Co. is a retailer, not a manufacturer. We are not a covered manufacturer under state Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. Manufacturer obligations under state e-waste laws — such as collection targets and registration fees — are the responsibility of the brands whose products we resell (e.g., mophie, Belkin, Skullcandy). However, we are committed to providing our customers with accurate recycling information and directing them to the appropriate resources.

3. Federal Law & Regulations

U.S. federal statutes governing electronic and hazardous waste

There is currently no single federal law in the United States that requires consumers to recycle electronics or that mandates a national take-back program for consumer electronics. However, several federal statutes and agency regulations do govern the handling, transportation, and disposal of electronic waste — particularly when it contains hazardous materials.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

42 U.S.C. §§ 6901 et seq. — The RCRA is the primary federal law governing hazardous waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authority under RCRA to classify and regulate e-waste containing toxic materials. Civil penalties for RCRA violations can exceed $124,000 per day per violation.

Under RCRA's Universal Waste Rule (40 C.F.R. Part 273), certain common hazardous wastes — including batteries, pesticides, and mercury-containing equipment — are subject to streamlined regulations to make proper recycling easier and more accessible for consumers and businesses.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Universal Waste Status

In 2024–2025, the EPA made significant regulatory moves to classify lithium-ion batteries as Universal Waste under 40 C.F.R. Part 273. This designation means lithium-ion batteries — found in power banks, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, and wireless charging cases — are subject to streamlined but mandatory recycling requirements nationwide.

Between 2013 and 2020, lithium-ion batteries caused more than 240 fires at 64 waste and recycling facilities. The hazardous nature of lithium batteries requires that they never be placed in household trash, curbside recycling, or landfills.

CRT Monitor Regulations

Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors and televisions containing lead are explicitly regulated as hazardous waste under RCRA. While The Phone Supply Co. does not sell CRT products, our customers purchasing accessories for older devices should be aware that CRT monitors must be recycled through a licensed hazardous waste or certified e-waste recycler — they cannot be landfilled or placed in curbside recycling.

Export Restrictions

The export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries is governed by the Basel Convention, which the United States has not formally ratified but which influences domestic policy. Under the EPA's CRT Export Rule and related statutes, exporting hazardous e-waste components — including CRT monitors and batteries — to countries not equipped to handle them responsibly is restricted or prohibited. Certified recyclers (R2v3 or e-Stewards) are required to comply with these export restrictions.

Key Federal Agencies
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Primary regulator for hazardous e-waste under RCRA. Operates the eCycling program and recommends R2v3 and e-Stewards certified recyclers. Visit epa.gov/recycle.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Enforces environmental marketing claims, including "green" and "recyclable" product claims made by manufacturers and retailers.
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Has jurisdiction over battery safety, including lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics, particularly regarding fire risk.
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) — Regulates the shipping and transportation of lithium-ion batteries, including those returned through recycling programs, under 49 C.F.R. Part 173.

4. State-by-State E-Waste Laws

As of June 2026 — applicable to all U.S. customers we serve

Because The Phone Supply Co. ships to all 50 U.S. states, our customers are subject to the electronic waste laws of their own state when it comes to disposing of products purchased from us. As of June 2026, 25 states plus the District of Columbia have enacted comprehensive electronics recycling laws. The remaining states rely on local ordinances, voluntary programs, and federal baseline requirements.

State e-waste laws generally fall into three categories: (1) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where manufacturers fund or operate take-back systems; (2) Advance Recycling Fee (ARF) systems, where consumers pay a fee at purchase to fund recycling infrastructure; and (3) Hybrid models combining both elements. As a retailer, we pass through applicable fees where required by law and direct customers to appropriate recycling resources.

State Law / Program Type Covered Devices Customer Obligations Status
California ARF + EPR (SB 20 + SB 1215) Video display devices (VDDs), cell phones, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, power banks with embedded batteries (CBEPs effective Jan 1, 2026) Pay recycling fee at purchase. Cannot landfill covered devices. Drop off at authorized CalRecycle locations. Active
New York EPR (Electronic Equipment Recycling & Reuse Act, 2010) Computers, TVs, keyboards, mice, printers Manufacturer take-back programs are free to consumers. Cannot place covered e-waste in regular trash. Fines: $50–$350 per device for improper disposal. Active
New Jersey EPR (Electronic Waste Management Act) Computers, monitors, TVs, laptops, printers Must use manufacturer take-back or certified drop-off. Landfill ban on covered devices. Active
Illinois EPR (E-Waste Recycling Act) TVs, computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers Cannot place covered e-waste in trash. Penalties: $50–$500 per device. Must use manufacturer take-back or certified drop-off. Active
Washington EPR (E-Cycle Washington) Computers, monitors, TVs, laptops, printers Free manufacturer take-back collection. Cannot landfill covered devices. Business non-compliance: $1,000/day. Active
Oregon EPR (Oregon E-Cycles) TVs, computers, monitors Free manufacturer take-back at authorized collection sites. Landfill ban applies. Active
Minnesota EPR TVs, computers, monitors, printers Free take-back through manufacturer programs. Drop off at county facilities or authorized retailers. Active
Pennsylvania EPR TVs, computers, monitors Free manufacturer take-back. Some counties provide additional collection events. Active
Connecticut EPR TVs, computers, monitors Free manufacturer take-back at authorized sites. Fines up to $100/device for improper consumer disposal. Active
Maine EPR TVs, computers, monitors Manufacturer-funded take-back. Landfill ban applies to covered devices. Active
Rhode Island EPR TVs, computers, monitors Free manufacturer take-back. Contact the RI DEM for drop-off locations. Active
Vermont EPR TVs, computers, monitors Free take-back through manufacturer programs and municipal drop-off events. Active
Indiana EPR TVs, computers, monitors Free manufacturer take-back available. Some county programs supplement state law. Active
West Virginia EPR TVs, computers, monitors Manufacturer-funded collection. Check the WV DEP for drop-off sites. Active
Texas No Statewide Law No statewide mandatory program Follow local city/county ordinances. Use certified recyclers for batteries. Check with your municipality. Major cities (Austin, Houston, Dallas) offer collection events. Local Only
Florida No Statewide Law No statewide mandatory program Follow local ordinances. Some counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) have active drop-off programs. Batteries are governed by Florida Statutes § 403.7192. Local Only
Iowa Minimal Statewide Law Battery regulations, CRT management rules Iowa follows EPA rules on CRT management and battery disposal. No comprehensive statewide e-waste law. Contact Electronic Asset Security (EAS), Iowa's only R2v3-certified recycler. Limited
Missouri No Statewide Law No statewide mandatory program Follow local ordinances. MoDNR provides guidance on proper disposal. Batteries must be recycled per EPA requirements. Local Only
Colorado No Statewide Law No statewide mandatory program Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins have collection programs. Batteries governed by state and EPA rules. Local Only
Arizona No Statewide Law No statewide mandatory program Local programs available in Phoenix and Tucson. Use certified recyclers for battery-containing devices. Local Only
Georgia No Statewide Law No statewide mandatory program Local programs in Atlanta metro area. Georgia EPD provides guidance for hazardous waste disposal including batteries. Local Only
All Other States Varies (EPR or Local Only) Varies by state Use the EPA's eCycling locator or Call2Recycle (call2recycle.org) to find a certified drop-off near you. Use Locators

This table reflects our best understanding of state law as of June 2026. E-waste laws change frequently. We recommend checking with your state environmental agency for the most current requirements. This table does not constitute legal advice.

5. California: Recycling Fees & SB 1215

Important fee disclosures for California customers

Notice for California Customers: California has the most comprehensive e-waste recycling fee system in the United States. If you have a California shipping address, additional recycling fees may be collected at checkout for certain products, as required by California law.

California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act (established by SB 20 in 2003) created the nation's first state-level e-waste recycling fee. The program has been expanded by subsequent legislation, most notably Senate Bill 1215 (SB 1215, Newman, Chapter 370, Statutes of 2022), which extended coverage to a new category called Covered Battery-Embedded Products (CBEPs), effective January 1, 2026.

Video Display Devices (VDDs) — Existing Fee

A recycling fee applies to video display devices with screens larger than 4 inches, including televisions, computer monitors, laptops, tablets, and portable DVD players. Fees are based on screen size:

  • Screens under 15 inches (diagonal): $6.00 per device
  • Screens 15 to under 35 inches: $8.00 per device
  • Screens 35 inches and above: $10.00 per device

These fees are collected by retailers at the point of sale and remitted directly to CalRecycle / the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

Covered Battery-Embedded Products (CBEPs) — New Fee from January 1, 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, California Senate Bill 1215 expanded the program to cover battery-embedded products — devices containing a battery not designed to be easily removed by the user using common household tools.

Products covered under this expansion that may be sold by The Phone Supply Co. include:

Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones Bluetooth Speakers Power Banks with Built-In Cables Certain Wireless Chargers

Fee: 1.5% of the retail purchase price, capped at a maximum of $15.00 per device. Subject to annual adjustment from August 1, 2026 onward.

How Fees Are Collected

Where required by California law, recycling fees are collected at checkout for qualifying products shipped to California addresses. These fees are passed directly to CalRecycle / the CDTFA — The Phone Supply Co. does not retain any portion of the fee. California retailers may retain up to 3% of collected fees as a cost-reimbursement, which is managed by our platform in compliance with California's requirements.

California Drop-Off Locations

California customers can drop off covered electronic devices at any authorized CalRecycle collection site at no additional cost at the time of drop-off (the prepaid fee covers recycling). To find a drop-off location near you, visit CalRecycle's electronics page or call 1-800-RECYCLE.

Covered Battery-Embedded Product Exemptions: Some battery-embedded products are excluded from SB 1215 coverage and instead fall under California's AB 2440 portable battery EPR regime — specifically those with batteries that can be removed by the user using common household tools. Retailers and consumers should refer to CalRecycle at calrecycle.ca.gov or contact EWaste@calrecycle.ca.gov for specific product classifications.

6. Battery Disposal Requirements

Lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries require special handling in all 50 states

Lithium-ion batteries — found in power banks, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, wireless earphones, and some wireless charging accessories — are classified as hazardous waste by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Improper disposal of lithium batteries can cause fires, release toxic chemicals into the environment, and contaminate groundwater supplies.

Never Do the Following with Battery-Containing Products: Do not place power banks, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, or other battery-containing accessories in household trash, curbside recycling bins, or regular garbage bags. This is prohibited by EPA regulations and is illegal in many states. Lithium batteries in trash compactors and recycling centers have caused multiple fires and explosions.

Retail Drop-Off Programs

Many major retailers accept rechargeable batteries for recycling free of charge, including Best Buy, Staples, Home Depot, Lowe's, and select office supply stores. Call2Recycle, the largest battery stewardship program in North America, operates collection boxes at over 34,000 locations nationwide.

Visit call2recycle.org or call 1-800-822-8837 to find the nearest drop-off location.

Municipal Hazardous Waste Programs

Most U.S. counties and municipalities operate Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection programs that accept batteries, electronics, and other hazardous items. These events are typically free to residents.

Find your local HHW program through the EPA at epa.gov/recycle or contact your local public works department.

Brand Take-Back Programs

The brands we carry offer their own recycling and take-back programs:

  • Belkin / mophie: Accepts products through Best Buy's trade-in program.
  • Skullcandy: Participates in Call2Recycle for audio products containing batteries.
  • ZAGG: Customers should use local electronics drop-offs for ZAGG battery products.
Safe Battery Handling Before Recycling
  • Discharge batteries as much as possible before dropping off for recycling (run the device until it dies).
  • Do not puncture, bend, crush, or attempt to disassemble battery-containing products.
  • Place electrical tape over battery terminals on loose batteries to prevent short circuits during transport.
  • Store old battery-containing devices in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials prior to drop-off.
  • If a battery is swollen, leaking, or showing signs of damage, handle with care, do not use, and take to a certified recycler immediately.
  • Do not ship damaged lithium batteries via standard mail; the DOT regulates transportation of damaged lithium batteries under 49 C.F.R. Part 173.

7. How to Recycle Your Old Devices & Accessories

Step-by-step guidance for all U.S. customers

When one of our products reaches the end of its usable life, we encourage you to recycle it responsibly rather than place it in household trash. Below is our recommended process for customers in all 50 states.

01

Back Up and Erase Your Data

Before recycling any smart device or device that held personal data (even accessories like wireless earbuds with saved pairing data), perform a factory reset or wipe. See Section 9 of this policy for detailed instructions.

02

Identify the Product Type

Determine whether the product contains a battery (power bank, earbuds, speaker) or is battery-free (cable, case, screen protector). Battery-containing products have stricter disposal requirements and cannot be placed in regular trash.

03

Check Your State Law

Review the state table in Section 4. If your state has an active EPR or landfill ban, you are legally required to use an authorized collection site. Even in states without a statewide law, proper recycling is strongly encouraged.

04

Find a Certified Recycler or Drop-Off

Use the resources below: Call2Recycle, the EPA locator, or the Gazelle program (see Section 8) to find the nearest free drop-off or trade-in location for your device or accessory type.

Certified Recycling Locators

Call2Recycle Locator

The most comprehensive battery and electronics recycling drop-off locator in North America. Over 34,000 collection locations across the U.S. Accepts rechargeable batteries, power tools, and battery-embedded consumer electronics.

call2recycle.org  |  1-800-822-8837

EPA eCycling Locator

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains a searchable database of certified e-waste recyclers and donation centers nationwide. Includes R2v3 and e-Stewards certified facilities.

epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling

Retail Drop-Off Partners

Several major U.S. retailers operate free electronics recycling drop-off programs at their store locations:

  • Best Buy: Accepts most consumer electronics including cables, chargers, earbuds, and speakers. bestbuy.com/site/recycling
  • Staples: Accepts batteries, cables, and small electronics. staples.com
  • Home Depot / Lowe's: Accept rechargeable batteries through Call2Recycle kiosks in-store.

Certified Recycler Certifications to Look For

When choosing an independent recycler, look for the following certifications to ensure responsible, legal, and secure handling:

  • R2v3 (Responsible Recycling): The most widely recognized standard for electronics recyclers, audited by third-party accreditation bodies.
  • e-Stewards: A certification emphasizing zero-export of hazardous e-waste and worker health protections.
  • NAID AAA: Relevant if data destruction is required alongside hardware recycling.

8. Gazelle Trade-In & Recycling Partner

Our recommended device recycling partnership

The Phone Supply Co. promotes responsible device ownership through our partnership with Gazelle — one of the leading consumer electronics trade-in and recycling platforms in the United States. While Gazelle's primary focus is on smartphones, tablets, and laptops (rather than accessories), we recommend their platform as part of a holistic approach to responsible electronics stewardship.

What Gazelle Accepts

  • Smartphones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and others)
  • Tablets (iPad, Samsung tablets)
  • Laptops and MacBooks
  • Apple Watches and other smartwatches
  • AirPods and select audio products

Visit gazelle.com to get an instant trade-in quote for your old device. If your device has no trade-in value, Gazelle accepts it for free responsible recycling.

Why We Partner with Gazelle

Gazelle extends the life of electronics by refurbishing and reselling devices that still have usable value, reducing the volume of e-waste entering the recycling stream. For devices that cannot be refurbished, Gazelle works with certified R2 recyclers to ensure responsible end-of-life handling.

By encouraging customers to recycle their old phones through Gazelle before purchasing new accessories from us, we contribute to a more circular electronics economy — reducing the overall environmental footprint of mobile device ownership.

Accessories and Gazelle: Gazelle does not currently accept standalone phone accessories (power banks, earbuds, chargers) for trade-in. For accessory recycling, please use the resources listed in Section 7, including Call2Recycle and Best Buy's recycling program.

9. Data Security Before Recycling

Protecting your personal information when disposing of electronics

Before recycling or donating any electronic device — including smart accessories that store pairing information, usage data, or in some cases personal information — it is important to erase or reset the device to protect your privacy. While most phone accessories sold by The Phone Supply Co. (cases, cables, chargers) do not store personal data, some products do require attention before disposal.

Wireless Earbuds & Smart Audio Devices

Bluetooth earbuds and headphones may store device pairing information. Before recycling:

  • Unpair the device from all connected phones and computers via your device's Bluetooth settings.
  • Perform a factory reset on the earbuds (typically by holding the power button or placing in the case for a specified period — refer to your product manual).
  • Delete the device from any companion apps (e.g., Skullcandy app, mophie app).

Power Banks & Charging Accessories

Most power banks do not store personal data. However, smart charging pads or power banks with companion apps may retain usage history or device preferences. Before recycling:

  • Delete any linked accounts from companion apps associated with the product.
  • Discharge the battery fully to reduce fire risk during transport and recycling.
  • Refer to the product manual for any device-specific reset procedures.
For Data-Bearing Devices (Phones, Tablets, Computers): If you are recycling a smartphone, tablet, or computer — not a product sold by The Phone Supply Co., but devices our accessories were designed to accompany — always perform a complete factory reset and, where possible, enable full-disk encryption before the reset. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-88 provides guidelines for media sanitization. For business devices containing sensitive or regulated data, work with a NAID AAA or R2v3 certified recycler that provides a Certificate of Destruction.

10. Prohibited Disposal Methods

What you must never do with electronic products containing batteries

The following disposal methods are prohibited for battery-containing electronic products under federal law and/or applicable state law. Violating these rules can result in fines, environmental liability, and in the case of businesses, significant civil penalties.

Absolutely Prohibited
  • Placing lithium batteries or battery-containing electronics in household trash or garbage bags
  • Placing battery-containing electronics in curbside recycling bins
  • Disposing of covered electronic devices in landfills (illegal in states with landfill bans)
  • Burning or incinerating electronics without a proper permitted facility
  • Puncturing, crushing, or disassembling lithium batteries outside of a certified facility
  • Shipping damaged or swollen lithium batteries via standard USPS, FedEx, or UPS without proper DOT hazmat labeling
  • Exporting e-waste to developing countries in violation of EPA export restrictions

Penalties for Improper Disposal

Penalties vary by jurisdiction. Below is a summary of potential consequences:

  • Federal (RCRA): Civil penalties up to $124,000+ per day per violation for businesses that improperly dispose of hazardous e-waste.
  • California: Fines up to $50,000 per violation for retailers or businesses. Consumer fines vary.
  • New York: Consumer fines $50–$350 per device. Business fines $1,000–$10,000 plus cleanup costs.
  • Illinois: Consumer fines $50–$500 per device for improper disposal.
  • Connecticut: Consumer fines up to $100 per device.
  • Washington State: Business non-compliance: $1,000 per day.

11. State Landfill Bans on Electronics

States where it is illegal to dispose of covered electronics in landfills

The following states have enacted landfill disposal bans on covered electronic devices. If you live in one of these states, you are legally required to recycle covered electronics through an authorized program rather than placing them in household waste destined for a landfill. The specific devices covered vary by state.

States with Active Landfill Bans

  • California
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Illinois
  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • Minnesota
  • Connecticut
  • Maine

Additional States with Bans

  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Indiana
  • West Virginia
  • Michigan
  • Wisconsin

Battery Bans — All States

Regardless of whether your state has a comprehensive electronics recycling law, all 50 states prohibit the improper disposal of rechargeable batteries under federal Universal Waste rules and state-level battery regulations. The following states have explicit statutes:

  • California (Health & Safety Code § 25215 et seq.)
  • Florida (F.S. § 403.7192)
  • New York (ECL § 27-0704)
  • Iowa (Battery regulation under Iowa Code)
  • All others — EPA Universal Waste Rule applies
When in Doubt, Recycle: Even if your state does not have a specific landfill ban on the product you are disposing of, recycling electronics responsibly is always the right choice. Use the EPA locator at epa.gov/recycle or Call2Recycle at call2recycle.org to find a free drop-off near you.

12. Our Environmental Commitment

How The Phone Supply Co. approaches responsible retailing

The Phone Supply Co. is a retailer, not a manufacturer — we do not produce electronics or generate e-waste as a byproduct of our operations. Our environmental commitment lies in being a responsible and transparent link in the supply chain between leading accessory brands and U.S. consumers.

Authorized Distribution

We purchase all products through authorized distribution channels, which means the brands we carry — mophie, Belkin, Skullcandy, ZAGG, Kate Spade — have met their own manufacturer obligations under applicable state e-waste laws. We do not sell counterfeit or gray-market products that bypass these obligations.

Transparent Fee Collection

Where California law requires us to collect e-waste recycling fees on applicable products, we collect those fees at checkout and pass them through entirely to the state recycling program. We do not treat these fees as profit. The fees are displayed separately at checkout for full customer transparency.

Extending Device Life

A key environmental benefit of quality phone accessories is that they extend the usable life of your smartphone and audio devices. A well-protected phone lasts longer, reducing the frequency of device replacement and the volume of electronic waste generated over time. We view accessory quality as inherently aligned with environmental responsibility.

Gazelle Partnership

Our partnership with Gazelle promotes device trade-in and reuse as the first option before recycling — keeping working electronics in service and out of the waste stream entirely. We actively encourage customers who are upgrading their phones to use Gazelle to trade in their old device rather than discard it.

Customer Education

This policy page is part of our commitment to keeping customers informed about their obligations and options. We update this page as state and federal laws change to ensure you always have access to accurate, current information about responsible electronics disposal.

Business Transparency

We are a registered U.S. business operated by The Illustrious King Limited Co. (95 Front St., Robins, IA 52328). Our warehouses are in New Jersey, Texas, and Missouri. We operate within the regulatory frameworks of all jurisdictions we ship to, including applicable e-waste and battery disposal laws.

Right to Repair: Several states — including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York — have enacted or are in the process of enacting Right to Repair legislation, which requires manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with access to parts, tools, and repair manuals. We support the right to repair as a means of extending device life and reducing e-waste. When repairing a device is an option, it is always environmentally preferable to recycling.

13. Contact Us About This Policy

Questions about e-waste, recycling, or California fees

If you have questions about this E-Waste & Recycling Policy, California recycling fee charges, or how to properly dispose of a product you purchased from us, our support team is available during business hours.

The Phone Supply Co.

Legal Entity
The Illustrious King Limited Co.
Address
95 Front St., Robins, IA 52328, United States
Hours
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time

External Recycling Resources

Related Policies
Privacy Policy Return & Refund Policy Terms of Service Warranty Policy About Us Contact Us FAQs Legal Notice

This policy is provided for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. E-waste and recycling laws change frequently. Customers with specific compliance questions should consult a licensed environmental attorney or contact their state environmental agency. For federal guidance, visit epa.gov. For California-specific questions, contact EWaste@calrecycle.ca.gov.

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