The partnership is an unprecedented extension of Bell's existing mobile phone take-back program. During a one-year pilot, Desjardins caisses, business centres and other Desjardins Group entities will set up recovery bins in more than 480 locations in Québec and Ontario for their members, clients, elected officers, employees and the general public.

Phones taken back will be refurbished to be used again or will be disassembled by a specialized company that has been selected by Bell to recycle the components. Any funds recovered by Bell in this recycling process are donated to WWF-Canada, the global conservation organization, to finance projects focused on fighting climate change, an environmental priority for both Desjardins and Bell.

"The success of this initiative relies on the commitment of all consumers to dispose of their mobiles phones in a responsible way," said Pauline D'Amboise who, as General Secretary for Desjardins Group, is in charge of applying the company's sustainable development policy. "Desjardins and Bell are pleased to make things easier for them and proud to take action to change the world one step at a time."

"The partnership with Desjardins increases the scope of our actions and strengthens our existing take-back program," said Marc Duchesne, Bell's Director, Corporate Responsibility and Environment. "The more we expand the number of collection points of used mobile phones, the more consumers are able to divert e-waste from landfill sites."