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Uploaded: Monday, July 30, 2012, 7:25 PM                                             

Recycle your electronics for breast cancer support  

by Kathleen Martin

Posted by Diane, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Jul 31, 2012 at 7:49 am

Nowhere on their web site does it state that any monies earned from the processing/selling of donated items go towards any breast cancer support, research, or medical facilities.

This is not a non-profit, it's a for-profit business, which is great.

They DO suggest that they 'support of breast cancer' by removing items from your immediate environment that may be linked to the rise in incidences of breast cancer.

Otherwise, this is a free (to the consumer) electronic waste recycling business with no apparent ties to breast cancer, charitable or otherwise, beyond their use of the words and the pink ribbon.

I have not yet been able to discover if, as a 'green' recycling business, they obtain state or federal subsidies.

They're not rated by the BBB but no complaints have been filed against them in the long (10 years) period they've been in business, which is excellent.

Just know that you're not necessarily 'donating to a good cause' when you're dropping off your electronics.

Posted by Julia, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Jul 31, 2012 at 11:43 am

People wake up and exercise your mind.

BOTH are an extreme fraud.

E-waste is BS...believe me I know...it's a temporary feel good moment. very similar to Viagra.

And the giant fraud is Breast cancer research...give them trillions and they wound be no closer...and folks don't think they haven't found a cause and a cure. You will never know it...WHY...Your smart, you figure it out...Two breast per female..what a potential business...and don't think it not.

Julia Pardini from Alamo...

Posted by Yeah, But..., a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Aug 1, 2012 at 8:41 am

Pretty harsh comments. A note: If you have e-waste you can take it there and they'll dispose of it - at no cost to you. Better than sneaking it into your household trash or dumping it somewhere.

I fail to see how that constitutes "an extreme fraud" or "BS" or how Julia would "know." The Beta Ct. organization is listed with the state e-waste recycling agency as an approved recycler. That's enough for me.

Posted by Diane, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Aug 2, 2012 at 12:33 pm

Yes, it's an approved recycler.

No issue there.

It's quite disingenuous, though, for them to slap a pink ribbon on their site and claim they 'support breast cancer.'

Support it how? They don't donate any of their profits (which they legally earn and have every right to keep). I have no problem whatsoever with them running a business.

It's just sleazy to claim they support a cause when they don't, other than by their claim that by recycling the items they do 'might' reduce incidences of breast cancer.

It's not illegal. It's just sleazy.

Posted by Yeah, But, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 9:28 am

That's a valid point, Diane. "Recycle for Breast Cancer" is actually a dba of "Recycle for Hope" which is run by Larry Behrens of Danville. (RfBC used to be Behrens' own dba until RfH was incorporated in 2005.)

It's a legitimate service, but a sleazy advertising gimmick. That's a shame.

Posted by Jason, a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 3:11 pm

Hi All - I have been bringing my stuff to RFBC for years. I took the time to check things out as most folks have not. They are reputable and legit. They are registered with the stae, cities and proper licensing boards. If you take the time and talk to them they are happy to tell you where the money goes and who the have donated to. They provide am excellent needed service while creating awareness about environmentally caused cancer. Just my .02