AT&T accepting all cell phone brands as part of project

An AT&T initiative to recycle unused mobile devices could add up to money for Austin teachers.

Now through Sept. 11, every cell phone recycled or traded in will result in a $5 donation from AT&T to DonorsChoose.org, a charity that supports teachers seeking money for specific classroom projects. Austin-area teachers can receive up to $25,000 in donations, according to AT&T.

"We take great pride in our commitment to sustainable business practices, and working with DonorsChoose.org gives us another avenue to deliver on that mission," said Dave Nichols, president of AT&T Texas, in a news release. "We invite the people of Austin to clean out their drawers and bring in their old cell phones, helping to reduce e-waste and supporting local education projects at the same time."

Environmental Protection Agency statistics suggest that 89 percent of all mobile devices are not recycled after usage. AT&T's program attempts to bring that number down. The Dallas-based communications company last year collected approximately 4.5 million cell phones for reuse and recycling in addition to 487,000 pounds of recycled cell phone batteries and accessories.

The money raised could go toward Austin-based classroom projects already posted by teachers on DonorsChoose.org. Examples include the Curious First-Grade Scientists program at Dawson Elementary School, A Growing STEM! program at Highland Park Elementary School and iPads for Deaf Education Students at Deerpark Middle School.

Go to www.DonorsChoose.org for an interactive map of all projects that could benefit from donations. Also, for a list of participating AT&T store locations, visit ww.att.com/austinschools.