Despite awareness about electronics recycling and the dangers of hazardous materials, many unwanted consumer-owned two-way radios still end up in America’s landfills. These electronic devices, along with other types of electronic waste, can leach toxic chemicals into the soil, and, ultimately, the groundwater, causing a myriad of health and environmental problems.
Commercial radio users typically understand the importance of properly recycling their outdated or unwanted equipment, including the serious legal consequences if they fail to. But general consumers may not; so Radiowell launched a national ad campaign to increase consumer awareness about this important practice. Radiowell spokesperson Andrew Park explains, “Consumers may not know how to properly recycle or dispose of their old two-way radios. Although some may save them for community e-waste drop-off events or deposit them in recycle bins at local electronics stores, we fear most don’t.”
All too often, nonfunctional or discarded radios end up as temporary backyard toys for children until they’re finally thrown away for good. “Unfortunately, widespread knowledge about radio and battery recycling is sorely lacking,” says Park, “and after much brainstorming, we decided to address the topic in a multi-pronged ad campaign spanning print, digital, and other mediums to spread the word.”