"Since 1997, FundingFactory has been supporting schools and nonprofit organizations through its unique printer cartridge and cell phone recycling program. Prior to August 2004, the recycling fundraising program was only available throughout the contiguous United States. Now schools and nonprofit organizations in Ontario, Canada, can join the ranks and start earning.

Participants have found great success in this program, earning a combined $15 million since FundingFactory began. Much of the earnings were redeemed as technology or classroom equipment through the FundingFactory online Rewards Catalog, while a portion was taken as cash.

The concept of earning through recycling these items is possible because many empty printer cartridges and used cell phones can be refurbished. As a result, many of these items still have value. Empty cartridges and used cell phones can be collected within a school district or entire community to help raise needed funds or earn equipment.

Each qualifying cartridge or cell phone - those that can be refurbished or resold - has a designated point value in the FundingFactory Recycling Program. Once a box of cartridges or cell phones is received at FundingFactory, the items are inspected. Then the points for each qualifying item are entered in the participant's account. Each item, qualifying or not, will be listed in the account so participants can see exactly what they have collected and earned. The participant chooses whether to accumulate the points in order to spend in the catalog or cash out the points and receive a check.

Each year more than 350 million cartridges are thrown away. In addition 35 million cell phones are discarded or replaced. FundingFactory is alleviating the volume of waste in landfills while benefiting the organizations collecting those items."