Tuesday, 28 October 2008

It is now easier and more convenient for Canberrans to recycle their old mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories with MobileMuster drop-off points going into regional recycling centres throughout the territory.

MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, is partnering with the ACT Government to make mobile phone recycling easier and more accessible for residents.

The ACT Government is funding the installation of six MobileMuster collection bins at regional recycling centres including Belconnen, Mitchell, Phillip, Tuggeranong, Macgregor and Symonston.

Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association’s (AMTA) recycling program, MobileMuster, says there are almost 290,000 old mobile phones stored in ACT homes and offices[1], and at least 137,000 of these are no longer in use and are ready to be recycled now.

“More than 90 per cent of the materials found in mobile phones and accessories are recovered and used to make new items like jewellery, stainless steel products and plastic fence posts. This helps conserve natural resources, avoid greenhouse gases and protects our environment from potentially harmful materials,” said Ms Read.

Since the recycling program was initiated in 1999, MobileMuster has collected 499 tonnes of mobile phone handsets, batteries and accessories for recycling. This equates to 3.5 million handsets and batteries and over 236 tonnes of accessories.

“Over the last 12 months alone, Canberrans have recycled over 2,120kgs of mobile phones, including 7,500 handsets and batteries, all of which have been diverted from landfill,” concluded Ms Read.

MobileMuster collection points across the ACT, include the Department of Environment and the Department of Families, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs offices, the Nokia Care Centre, mobile phone retailers Crazy Johns, FoneZone, Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, Allphones and participating ANZ, Harvey Norman and Cartridge World stores.

Alternatively you can pick up a free recycling satchel at participating Australia Post stores or by downloading a free reply paid label.

To locate your nearest MobileMuster drop-off point or call 1300 730 070.

ENDS

Key mobile phone recycling facts (figures current at 30 June 2008)

• There are over 21 million mobile phone subscribers
• Australians upgrade or exchange their mobile phones every 18 to 24 months
• 80% of people choose to keep or give away their old mobile phones, less than 4% throw them out
• Net imports of mobile phones into Australia for 2007/08 were 8.4 million units. This is equivalent to 1,680 tonnes (assuming average unit weight of 200g – handset, battery, charger and accessory included
• In 2007/2008 MobileMuster collected 97 tonnes of mobile phone components including 788,600 handsets and batteries
• One tonne of mobile phone circuits can yield the same amount of precious metals as 110 tonnes of gold ore, 123 tonnes of silver bearing ore and 11 tonnes of copper sulphide ore
• Mobile phones are not biodegradable and contain small amounts of potentially harmful substances which if not managed properly may harm the environment
• MobileMuster is a whole of industry not for profit program that is funded voluntarily by handset and accessory manufacturers Nokia, Motorola, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sharp, NEC, Panasonic, I-Mate, Force Technology and network carriers Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, 3 Mobile, Virgin Mobile and AAPT