ESG Management

Auctions can be an effective way to dispose of many types of unclaimed property, but electronics are a different story. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smart devices contain sensitive personal data, depreciate quickly, and often generate far less revenue than organizations expect. Before sending your unclaimed electronics to auction, consider the hidden costs, potential risks, and why a secure donation program may provide greater value for your organization, your customers, and your community.

Selling unclaimed devices can look like a conflict of interest and damage guest trust. Learn a safer option with verified data erasure and donation.

Many organizations are looking for meaningful ways to give back to their communities. Whether you’re planning a year-end employee initiative, a customer-facing outreach effort, or simply want to make a local impact—here’s an idea that’s simple, powerful, and life-saving.

A recent study revealed that a staggering number of phones sold at online auctions still contain sensitive data. This highlights a hard truth: If devices aren’t securely and professionally wiped, your agency/company could be liable for breaches of privacy, data theft, extortion, or worse. This article addresses the best way to handle these devices without putting the public—or the agency/company—at risk.

Globally, millions of cellphones and other electronic devices are discarded each year, contributing to the plastic and e-waste crisis. Since 2004, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has kept millions of pounds of plastic out of landfills. Learn how your unused/unclaimed devices can help save lives.

What happens to your unclaimed lost and found items matters. Instead of selling them for minor profit, more organizations are choosing to donate—protecting their reputation, simplifying compliance, and making a real impact in the lives of others. Here’s why donating unclaimed property is the smarter, more socially responsible choice.

This World Environment Day, the 911 Cell Phone Bank is taking action to help Beat Plastic Pollution by turning discarded electronics into tools for good. By recycling and repurposing unused devices, we’re reducing plastic waste, protecting the environment, and supporting survivors of abuse—one electronic device at a time.

Elder abuse affects one in ten older adults in the U.S., yet only 1 in 24 cases are reported. The 911 Cell Phone Bank is helping to combat elder abuse by providing secure, free phones to victims in need. These devices serve as vital lifelines, empowering older adults to seek help and stay connected to advocacy and law enforcement resources.

This World Ocean Day, we’re highlighting how unclaimed devices can be a force for good. Improper e-waste disposal harms marine ecosystems, but there’s a better way. Learn how the 911 Cell Phone Bank helps organizations recycle responsibly—supporting both the planet and survivors of abuse.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with law enforcement agencies, victim service organizations, and countless businesses across the country to collect, wipe, and repurpose unused phones and electronic devices. Here are 6 powerful lessons we’ve learned—delivered in 5 minutes or less.

A smartphone walks into a lost and found and mutters, “Last thing I remember was falling between the hotel bed and the nightstand.” If lost phones could talk, oh, the stories they’d tell…

The 2025 Earth Month theme focuses on accelerating the shift to clean energy, reducing pollution, and addressing the environmental and social injustices caused by reliance on fossil fuels. But sustainability isn’t just about energy—it’s also about responsible consumption and waste reduction.

As businesses strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, many overlook a crucial opportunity: sustainable technology disposal. Properly managing electronic waste (e-waste) is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s also a chance to create positive social impact and strengthen governance practices. Here’s how to identify gaps and take action.

If your business is holding onto unclaimed devices without a proper disposal plan, you’re exposing yourself to data security risks, legal compliance issues, and operational inefficiencies. The key step to successful lost & found management? Implementing a secure and ethical device disposal strategy.

Florida Statute 705.185 guides venues on managing unclaimed property, ensuring compliance, and enabling community impact through donations.