About us

Who we are

MobileMuster is managed by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA). It is the product stewardship program of the telecommunications industry, and is accredited by the federal government. It is voluntarily funded by major handset manufacturers and network carriers to provide a free mobile phone recycling program in Australia to the highest environmental standard. The program is committed to raising awareness and educating the community on repair, reuse and recycling.

The program accepts all brands and types of mobile phones, plus their batteries, chargers and accessories. Our extensive collection network provides 3,000 public drop off points across the country along with a free post back option.

MobileMuster is managed on behalf of our members. Handset manufacturers (Apple, HMD Global, HTC, Huawei, Google, Motorola, Oppo, Samsung, TCL, Vigo Mobile Australia, ZTE). Network carriers (Optus, Telstra, TPG Telecom). Accessory manufacturers and distributors (Force Technology). Network connectivity manufacturers (Arcadyan, Nokia Oceania, TP-Link, Vantiva).

A group of people sitting around a table with a MobileMuster logo in the background.

 

Government accreditation

MobileMuster is a division of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), and is accredited under the Australian Government’s  Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. Accreditation enables industry led programs like MobileMuster to demonstrate to businesses and consumers that we have the Australian Government’s stamp of approval.

This provides confidence that MobileMuster provides a framework to effectively address the environmental, health and safety impacts of a product or material across its full life cycle, from manufacture to disposal. The accreditation also supports accountability and transparency of the program.

MobileMuster first gained accreditation in 2014 under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 and in mid-2019, the program was successfully reaccredited under the Act for a further five years, until 2024. In each year of accreditation, MobileMuster is required to provide audited annual reports to the Department for review.

 

Industry initiatives

The mobile phone industry is committed to reducing our environmental footprint. The industry takes responsibility for their products throughout their lifecycle. This includes improving how efficiently resources are used in the manufacturing process and incorporating recycled content into this process. Improving the energy efficiency of its products and networks. Ensuring that mobiles collected are recycled to the highest environmental standards. Minimising waste in the manufacture, use and disposal of mobiles and accessories. Reducing risk to human health through better management of product manufacturing and disposal.

For more information and inspiration on how our members are approaching their commitment visit their websites below.

Giving back

MobileMuster partners with charities to incentivise consumers and to thank them for recycling with us. We have given over $1 million to support local charities including the Salvos, Able Australia, OzHarvest, Take 3 for the Sea and Landcare Australia. Our charity partnerships encourage Australians to recycle and do some good.

Salvation Army

MobileMuster supports the Salvos by giving $2 for every kilo of mobiles and accessories collected instore. The partnership helps to increase the range of goods people can recycle at their local store whilst also generating funds for their programs. The money raised helps support programs to end hunger, homelessness and build stronger families and communities. Since 2010, over 8.7 tonnes of electronic waste has been collected and recycled through the Salvos Store network.

Zoos

MobileMuster is partnering with Zoos across Australia to raise much needed funds and support their wildlife conservation projects. Individuals, workplaces, schools and community groups can nominate which Zoo they are supporting and even recycle at Taronga Zoo, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. The funds raised through the partnership will help primate conservation activities. To learn more or get involved click here.