SaskTel collaborates with Government of Saskatchewan for sustainable recycling of e-waste

September 24, 2024

Pictured from left to right: SaskTel President and CEO Charlene Gavel and SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Terry Jenson

Today, SaskTel announced a new recycling collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan in support of the Crown corporation’s Phones for a Fresh Start (PFFS) program with an initial donation of nearly 2,500 late model, government-owned devices. Through the collaboration, the Government of Saskatchewan will donate surplus government-owned devices to the program for responsible recycling going forward.

This collaboration will help boost recycling rates across the province while providing vital funds for PFFS to carry out its important activities in support of those fleeing domestic abuse and youth transitioning out of foster care.

Wireless devices, including cell phones and tablets, are comprised of materials that make them unsuitable for regular waste disposal. Since it launched in 2009, PFFS has diverted more than 143,400 electronic devices from the landfill while helping people in Saskatchewan get a fresh start.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to partner with SaskTel to champion sustainable e-waste recycling efforts,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Terry Jenson said, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and highlights the importance of collective action in safeguarding our planet for future generations."

“I’m pleased to see SaskTel’s Phones for a Fresh Start program benefit those in need across the province, including those fleeing domestic violence and youth transitioning out of care,” said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “By diverting electronic devices from landfills, this program demonstrates SaskTel’s environmental and social responsibility.”

“SaskTel is committed to doing our part to help keep our province green,” says Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO. “We are grateful for the generous donation from the Government of Saskatchewan, as well as the many donations throughout the year from individuals who continue to support Phones for a Fresh Start.”

Since the program started, over $134,400 in prepaid phone cards and 5,740 cell phones have been donated to help people in our province get a fresh start in life.

In addition to this announced collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, SaskTel continues to work together with SaskPower, another Crown corporation, that began donating end-of-usage devices to the program in 2022.

Through SaskTel’s PFFS, all donated wireless devices and accessories are recycled, with the recycling proceeds used to purchase new devices and phone cards for youth who are aging out of foster care and people fleeing domestic violence. SaskTel works with the Ministry of Social Services and Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services (PATHS) to ensure all new devices are distributed to those who need it the most.

Donating is easy. Used devices, batteries, and wireless accessories can be dropped off at any SaskTel Store or participating Authorized Dealer locations. Additionally, devices can be shipped to SaskTel free of charge through Canada Post.

To learn more about Phones for a Fresh Start, please visit www.sasktel.com/freshstart.

About SaskTel

SaskTel is the leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) provider in Saskatchewan, with over $1.3 billion in annual revenue and approximately 1.4 million customer connections including nearly 670,000 wireless accesses, 242,000 wireline network accesses, 292,000 internet and data accesses, 111,000 maxTV service subscribers, and 72,000 security monitoring customers. SaskTel offers a wide range of ICT products and services including competitive voice, data and Internet services, wireless data services, maxTV services, data centre services, cloud-based services, security monitoring services, advertising services, and international software and consulting services. Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.