Everyone knows about recycling paper, plastic and glass. But have you ever thought about recycling cell phones and ink cartridges? Yes, there is a market for that…and Houma’s Young Marines are doing just that!

Houma Police Sgt. Bobbie O’Bryan has recently implemented the recycling of the materials mentioned above in order to raise money for Young Marine uniforms. All recycled products are shipped to a company called Cartridges for Kids.

This innovative fundraiser pays schools or organizations cash for empty inkjet, laser, fax and copier cartridges and used cell phones. There is no cost to participate and absolutely no selling involved! No more unused wrapping paper or mounds of chocolate laying around reminding you that you helped out a local organization.

Sgt. O’Bryan said they have already teamed up with the Finance Department of Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, which has donated ink cartridges. However, they are looking for other businesses to donate items for their recycling drive.

Because the program is free to participate in, the youth group can’t lose with such a fund raiser. Plus, organizations typically have to pay for shipping the items, but as luck would have it, there is a local rep that they deliver to.
The group is taking any type of cell phones, ink cartridges (laser, ink jet and copier).

According to the website www. cartridgesforkids.com, collections for cell phones (depending on type and supply and demand) range from 50 cents up to $45 per and cartridges range from 25 cents to $5 per. So as you can see, groups can earn money. Not all products have a monetary value; however the group can turn them in at a local office supply store, which will exchange the cartridge for a ream of paper.

If any business or individual would like to collect for the Young Marines program, they can reach Sgt. O’Bryan at 985-637-6088. Each business will be given a specially marked box indicating the drive. Locations will be spot checked every 30 days for pick-up, or calls can be made to Sgt. O’Bryan. According to Sgt. O’Bryan, one uniform costs nearly $150.00, which includes t-shirts, belts and a pair of boots. Cadets outgrowing their uniforms must turn them. Upon return in “good” condition, they will receive another one at no charge.

About Young Marines
The program, held each Saturday from 8:45am-2:45pm at the Marine Corp League on the east side of Houma, has been in existence for three years locally, but was started in 1958 and became officially chartered in 1965. Recruits are taken in twice a year – one session in September and the other in March. The program is designed to teach the young recruits how to work as a team, have pride and appreciate discipline.

It is a misconception that the program is geared toward “at risk youths.” “The program is open to any boy or girl who can meet the physical requirements and is willing to commit to the entire 16 weeks,” said Sgt. Bobbie O’Bryan with Houma Police Department. The recruits spend an hour and a half on prayers, pledges and drills followed by two hours of physical fitness. A break for lunch is given and then nearly two hours are devoted to academics. The cost to join the program is $50 the first session, and then $25 each after – graduates may return as many times until age 18. Recruits must fill out an application and go through an interview process before proceeding on to the actual program

About Cartridges for Kids
The primary goal of Cartridges for Kids is to provide environmentally friendly fundraising that is safe, educational and pays cash to schools and organizations, allowing them to fund projects that are a priority. By 2005, their goal is to pay over $10,000,000 for programs that benefit the children! It is not unusual for active participants to earn $1000's each year.

Secondly, their aim is to provide service and support to those who want to recycle empty printer cartridges and used cell phones. It is currently estimated that over 250 million pounds of empty cartridges are thrown into landfills annually and this figure continues to rise. Recent reports suggest that by the end of 2005 there could be as many as 500 million cell phones headed for landfills. Together, with empty cartridges, this transforms into about 200,000 tons of waste which is significantly reduced by recycling.