Proceeds help nonprofit fund new smartphones for veterans
SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#CSR—Kyocera announced today that it has completed a company-wide mobile device recycling program with Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS) that donated 721 used mobile devices, with proceeds going toward new smartphones for veterans. CPFS is a nonprofit that has dedicated 20 years to helping consumers recycle and reuse electronic devices to provide cost-free communication services and emergency funding to active-duty military members, veterans and their families. Kyocera Mobile has been supporting CPFS for more than 10 years.
Kyocera companies nationwide conducted the recycling program throughout the summer and early fall, collecting 284 pounds of recycled phones — representing a greenhouse gas reduction equivalent to 351 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2e). Donated phones were received from Kyocera employees in San Diego, CA; Hendersonville, NC; Vancouver, WA; and Chicago, IL. Funds generated from the recycling efforts went toward purchasing 46 smartphones for veterans to stay connected.
“We are deeply grateful for Kyocera’s continued partnership and commitment to both responsible recycling and supporting our nation’s veterans,” said Rob Bergquist, CPFS founder and executive director. “Their dedication over the past decade has enabled us to provide crucial communication services and emergency aid to those who have served. By working together to recycle these devices, we not only help veterans stay connected to loved ones but also make a real impact in reducing electronic waste. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us further our mission.”
Tens of millions of metric tons of mobile phones and devices are sent to landfills worldwide each year, many of which can be refurbished and put to good use. Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded in 2004 to provide cost-free communication services to servicemen and women, veterans and their families. The nonprofit has provided more than 400 million minutes of talk time to service members deployed around the world, recycling more than 25 million cell phones and reducing e-waste impact on landfills across the country.
“We have been a proud supporter of Cell Phones for Soldiers dating back more than 10 years,” said Vipul Dalal, Kyocera Mobile Division VP. “Our commitment to recycling and supporting first responders is fully aligned with Kyocera’s global corporate philosophy. This recent employee-led initiative not only helped provide 46 veterans with new smartphones, but also contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a powerful reminder that individual efforts, when combined, can make a meaningful impact. Thank you to everyone who participated!”
Kyocera’s Longstanding Environmental Efforts
Kyocera embraces the principle of “harmonious coexistence,” which includes striving to do what’s right for the environment where we live and work. Kyocera is ISO 14001 certified for environmental efforts including comprehensive green packaging, recycling and waste reduction. The business has received numerous recycling and waste reduction awards dating back to 2001 and is always looking for new ways to make a positive impact.
Background: Kyocera Mobile Devices
With a history of quality and innovation delivering many “firsts” to the U.S. market, Kyocera is the leader in rugged mobile solutions. Launching more than 100 waterproof and rugged mobile devices globally over the last 15+ years, Kyocera provides reliable technology as an integral part of a total mobile offering, combining MIL-STD 810G/H-compliant ruggedization and enterprise-grade security with a partner ecosystem, industry-specific applications and innovative accessories. Working with leading service providers, Kyocera has created a “Total Solution” offering that helps deliver a significantly lower total cost of ownership to a wide range of industries such as public safety, transportation, and construction. White glove services (including overnight advanced replacement, custom provisioning, repair and more) help improve productivity for business customers. For more information, visit kyoceramobile.com or follow the company at facebook.com/kyoceramobile, twitter.com/kyoceramobile, youtube.com/kyoceramobile, instagram.com/kyoceramobile and linkedin.com/company/kyoceramobile.
About Kyocera
San Diego-based Kyocera International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation.
Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, LCDs, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2025, Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 2.0 trillion Japanese yen (approx. US$13.2 billion). Kyocera is ranked #1123 on Forbes magazine’s 2025 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies, and has been named among “The World’s 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies” by The Wall Street Journal.
© 2025 Kyocera International, Inc. (KII), San Diego, California, USA. All rights reserved. All other marks are held by their respective owners.
Contacts
Leasa Ireland
LPI Communications for Kyocera
