Eco-Train provides brand, distributor, and retail partners with an effective and affordable way to eliminate waste and grow their business. The Phone Case Recovery Program utilizes a model of ‘Shared Producer Responsibility’ to cover program costs while providing the most sustainable, end-of-use solutions for the materials collected. We will never solve the global waste crisis by acting alone. If we work together, and we all do our part, the problem can be solved.
As mentioned in an earlier blog post, Cesium became a distribution partner of Eco-Train’s 2021 Phone Case Recovery Program subscription boxes. These boxes are given to retailers to collect old, unwanted devices and accessories from the public, so customers no longer will put them in the garbage when they are done with them. The program gives customers one more reason to come into their stores. Retailers ship returns, at their discretion, to one of several Eco-Train Return Depots located BC, ON and NB. All returns are tracked by Eco-Train and reported to program partners.
Before jumping into year 2, a brand NEW membership model is being introduced so that retailers can have even more confidence participating in a program that is simple, effective, transparent, trackable, and affordable.
2021 Boxes 
2022 Boxes
We are honoured to be partnering with Eco-Train. The initiative they launched will provide an affordable and effective solution to eliminating waste from [used] phone cases. Many of our clients have jumped on board and we are excited to grow the program even more in 2022 and beyond.
Jeff Tabacman, VP Sales, Cesium
What’s new this year
The first and most important change is that boxes will be available to retailers entirely FREE of charge! Simply reach out to your account manager to request a box. The second is that Eco-Train has expanded the list of products that they accept beyond phone cases to include additional categories such as tablets, phones, smart-watches, phone and tablet cases, data cables, chargers, mounts, screen protectors/screen protector trays, Bluetooth products, wired earbuds, tracking devices (Apple AirTags/Tiles), and more. And finally, this year’s boxes will have a fresh new bilingual design.
Each box will be shipped folded flat in an envelope with 2 pieces to assemble inside. Scan the ‘LEARN MORE‘ QR Code on the front to access a web page with assembly instructions and more information about the program. Scan the ‘RETURNS‘ QR Code on the back to access Eco-Train’s Return Authorization form. Once filled out and submitted, retailers can print the Returns address label with a unique RA number. The label must be affixed to the outside of the box for the retailer to get credit for the weight of that return.
3 Membership Levels
The new structure will include 3 membership levels:
- FREE Membership
- GOLD Membership ($39.99 / store annual fee or 3.99 / store monthly fee)
- PLATINUM Membership ($49.99 / store annual fee or $4.99 / store monthly fee)
The Circular Economy Portal provides Gold and Platinum Members with added marketing benefits while facilitating networking and communication with other industry stakeholders. In all cases, retailers are responsible for the freight costs.
Check out the comparison chart below for a more comprehensive list of benefits:
Eco-Train will kick off their 2022 Program on Global Recycling Day and Cesium couldn’t be prouder to be along for the ride. This year’s program will run from March 18, 2022, until March 17, 2023. Dealers can register, begin uploading their stores to the store locator, and download marketing assets as of March 18th, and collection boxes will begin to ship in April. We look forward to taking steps toward a waste-free industry, together!
