How MobileMuster Supports the Repair Industry
Australia’s mobile phone repair sector is essential for extending the longevity of devices and reducing e-waste. However, repair activities often generate by-products such as loose batteries and broken phone components, which must be managed safely and responsibly.
The Challenge for Repair Businesses
When phones are dismantled for repair, damaged batteries and broken parts are removed and replaced with new ones. These removed items can create:
- Safety risks: Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if punctured, exposed to heat or through friction when transported.
- Storage issues: Small repair shops often lack safe containment solutions.
- Environmental concerns: Improper disposal can lead to toxic substances entering the environment.
How MobileMuster is supporting the Repair industry
Recognising that loose mobile phone batteries and damaged phone components fall within the scope of the MobileMuster program, we have established a dedicated process to assist the repair industry, which differs from the consumer-facing bins intended for the disposal of whole phones for recycling.
How can members of the repair industry get involved with MobileMuster?
Joining the MobileMuster program is straight forward, simply fill in the Join Us form.
A MobileMuster representative will provide you with a welcome email containing all the necessary information for participating in the MobileMuster program, including safety information, packing instructions, and information around how to arrange collections for mobiles, accessories and components.
Fire-Resistant Bags for Safer Collections
In March 2025, MobileMuster introduced fire-resistant bags for all collections – covering mobile phones, parts, accessories, and loose batteries. This extra safety measure enabled new partnerships for transporting collections from repair stores, many of which include loose batteries.
Fire Resistent Bags Packing Process
Repair stores can book a collection through our pick-up page.
When submitting a request, participants will need to estimate how many fire-resistant bags and shipping boxes they need. Each bag and box combination can hold up to 20 kg in a 16L capacity.
Steps to book a collection:
1. Go to the bookings page and enter your Site ID.
2. Update address and contact details if required.
3. Submit the request.
4. MobileMuster will provide the packaging material either before the collection or via the assigned courier.
5. Assemble the box, fit the fire-resistant bag, and pack the collections (up to 20 kg) following our packing guidelines, which includes specific instructions for packing loose mobile phone batteries
6. Print and attach the labels provided, and a courier will collect the boxes within two business days.
High Recovery Rates
Once collected, batteries and components are processed at our recycling facilities. MobileMuster maintains a high material recovery rate from our recycling as part of our ongoing commitment to product stewardship and sustainability. In 2025, we achieved a material recovery rate of over 97%. Valuable metals and plastics are reintroduced into manufacturing, supporting a circular economy.
By supporting the repair industry, MobileMuster ensures that the environmental benefits of repair are not undermined by unsafe disposal of by-products. Through collaboration with the repair industry, MobileMuster closes the loop, ensuring every component is managed responsibly and contributes to a sustainable future.