For many in Saskatchewan, the month of April symbolizes a new beginning. Inspired by the change in season, people and businesses dust themselves off after a long and chilly winter and often get to doing a little spring cleaning.

But when they reach that old junk drawer (or office filled with random boxes) among the many things they tend to find is that old cellphone from an upgrade or two back that they never quite figured out what to do with. But rather than throw that unwanted phone away, SaskTel wants you to help keep that device from finding its way to the dump by donating it to Phones for a Fresh Start!

With the launch of its second ever Phones for a Fresh Start cellphone recycling drive on April 19, you not only have the chance to protect the environment by diverting e-waste from our landfills, it also lets you show your support for those fleeing domestic violence.

"E-waste is a growing problem," said Debbie Ottenbreit, SaskTel Community Relations Specialist. "But the great thing about this program is it doesn't only help tackle this issue, it also works to help some of Saskatchewan's most vulnerable people rebuild their lives after they've been forced to flee a terrible situation."

Between April 19 and April 30, SaskTel is inviting Saskatchewan residents to drop off their unwanted cellular devices at any SaskTel Store or participating Authorized Dealer. It doesn't matter what carrier the phone's from, its make, or even the condition it's in, SaskTel will gladly accept them all.

Cellular devices (including tablets) are more than 96 per cent recyclable, yet only 10 per cent of the unwanted cellphones in this province are recycled each year. Since its inception in 2009, the program has recycled more than 106,000 cellphones, over 49,000 accessories and nearly 1.5 metric tons of batteries. But, even after all that recycling, industry still estimates there may be upwards of 650,000 unwanted cellphones still being stored in Saskatchewan alone.

In partnership with the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services Saskatchewan (PATHS), Phones for a Fresh Start has used all proceeds from the recycling process to purchase and donate nearly $89,000 in prepaid phone cards and more than 2,800 cell phones to 21 PATHS shelter agencies throughout the province.

Jo-Anne Dusel, Executive Director at PATHS, says Phones for a Fresh Start continues to provide a lifeline for victims of domestic abuse.

"Leaving a situation where domestic violence is occurring can be isolating and potentially dangerous. The Phones for a Fresh Start program means that women who seek services at PATHS' member agencies have access to devices that keep them connected with family, friends and service providers," said Jo-Anne. "They can help our clients find a new home or a new job. Most importantly, they provide an instant way to call for help if their situation becomes unsafe."

So, remember when you're cleaning out that old junk drawer this spring, even that old clunker you got 10 years ago is still a valuable resource. With a simple donation, you can help give some deserving Saskatchewan people a better chance at a truly fresh start!