Press Release

Each year, millions of Americans recycle bottles and cans, but the fastest-growing waste stream is often forgotten: electronic waste. This America Recycles Day, you can make your recycling count for more than the environment. Donating your unused devices to the 911 Cell Phone Bank transforms e-waste into lifelines for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. One phone can mean safety, connection, and a second chance at life.

The AGA has helped transform what was once considered “lost and found liability” into a nationwide movement of compassion and responsibility — securely repurposing unclaimed devices into tools that protect, empower, and save lives. Read the full story to see how this remarkable partnership is redefining corporate responsibility in the gaming industry.

What happens when a guest leaves their phone behind at a casino? At Cherokee Nation Entertainment, that moment becomes an opportunity to make a difference. Through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, Cherokee Nation ensures unclaimed devices are securely repurposed to support victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. It’s a powerful example of how businesses can turn everyday situations into meaningful acts of community care.

Women and girls account for 65% of identified trafficking victims, with children comprising nearly one-third of all cases. Traffickers frequently target refugees, migrants, and displaced individuals, preying on those with limited access to support or safety. The 911 Cell Phone Bank reaffirms its mission to provide secure phones to survivors and the advocates who protect them. Since 2004, over 250,000 devices have been distributed—each one a critical tool for escaping danger and reclaiming freedom.

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 the phones left behind in hotels, airports, or public venues? At 911 Cell Phone Bank, they’re transformed into lifelines for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Our latest press release shares how we’re working with organizations nationwide to turn forgotten tech into frontline support.

Hotels across Florida are finding themselves in a legal and logistical dilemma when it comes to handling unclaimed items left behind by guests. Thanks to Florida Statute 705.185, which outlines strict requirements for disposing of lost and abandoned property, hotel operators must now navigate a maze of compliance, liability, and ethical responsibility.

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.

From lost phones to life-saving tools—Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos are making every device count. Through their partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, unclaimed electronics from their lost & found are securely wiped and repurposed to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

PENN exemplifies leadership in corporate responsibility by implementing a sustainable solution for electronic devices found in their casinos.

Youth violence affects countless families and communities, with over 700,000 young people treated for assault-related injuries each year. During National Youth Violence Prevention Week, the 911 Cell Phone Bank is taking action by providing at-risk youth with secure communication tools.

The 911 Cell Phone Bank’s PHONE IT FORWARD Campaign is the perfect way to connect the spirit of Pay It Forward Day with the fight against human trafficking and domestic violence. By donating unused cell phones and electronic devices, you can provide a lifeline to individuals in crisis while contributing to a more sustainable planet.

Despite decades of progress, many survivors face significant barriers to accessing services that protect their rights, offer safety, and foster healing. 911 Cell Phone Bank supports advocacy programs by providing donated cell phones to victims and survivors.

In a partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Broward County Transit System, and our newest partnership in the area, Women in Distress advocacy program, demonstrate how a community can come together to offer a vital resource for victims and survivors, thus combating the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence efficiently.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a time to support survivors, raise awareness about sexual violence, and identify strategies to prevent such crimes. The 911 Cell Phone Bank, in partnership with law enforcement agencies and advocacy programs, is addressing this critical issue by providing victims with “clean” cell phones—devices free from tracking or monitoring that can serve as lifelines for escape and independence.

“Reducing e-waste is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a social responsibility. By recycling phones, we’re not only protecting the planet but also providing vital tools to help vulnerable individuals.”

The Maysville Police Department has teamed up with the 911 Cell Phone Bank to provide emergency phones for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. These devices offer a lifeline—a way to call for help without fear of being tracked. Officer Curtis Neal says it best: “A simple phone can be a bridge from fear to freedom.”

PeaceWorks, a dedicated advocacy program committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence, is celebrating a true success story made possible through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank.

Kentucky Venues is teaming up with 911 Cell Phone Bank to help survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Ian Cox, Executive Director of Communications for Kentucky Venues, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “For years, we struggled with how to properly recycle unclaimed electronics. This partnership not only provides a sustainable solution but also supports a cause that directly benefits vulnerable individuals.”

This International Women’s Day, we’re calling on businesses, organizations, and individuals to Accelerate Action in the fight against gender-based violence. Did you know 1 in 4 women experience physical violence by an intimate partner? Survivors need safe ways to connect to help—and a simple phone can be a lifeline. Learn how you can help.

“A simple phone can be a lifeline—a bridge from fear to freedom. By partnering with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we’re ensuring that victims of domestic violence and human trafficking have the tools they need to take control of their safety and connect with critical resources when they need them most.”

The 911 Cell Phone Bank stands united with advocates worldwide to bring awareness to modern-day slavery and human trafficking. It is crucial to recognize that millions of individuals around the world remain deprived of the freedom to experience love in its truest form, often due to the horrors of slavery they endure.

Recent reports of five human trafficking arrests in Antioch have shed light on the urgency of addressing these crimes in our communities. The Metro Office of Family Safety Nashville and the 911 Cell Phone Bank are working collaboratively to connect victims with resources, raise awareness, and create a safer environment for all.

Since 2016, Metro Minneapolis has donated over 13,500 unclaimed devices from its transit system’s lost-and-found to 911 Cell Phone Bank to support victims of abuse and human trafficking. As a Transportation Authority, Metro Minneapolis plays a crucial role in detecting and reporting potential cases of abuse, reinforcing its commitment to community safety and resilience.

As New Orleans gears up for Super Bowl LIX, officials and advocacy groups are taking steps to combat the heightened risks of exploitation that come with major events. The 911 Cell Phone Bank, alongside partners like Louis Armstrong International Airport and the New Orleans Police Department, is ensuring that victims of human trafficking have access to life-saving communication tools. Learn how the city is stepping up efforts to protect the vulnerable.