Jude Bolton Kicks a Goal for Mobile Phone Recycling

Australian AFL legend Jude Bolton has published an article in The New Daily discussing the importance of mobile phone recycling.

The article highlights how across Australia, more than 22 million old mobile phones are sitting idle in cupboards and drawers, and most of them broken, forgotten, and full of valuable materials that could be recovered and reused. This is one of the simplest environmental actions Australians can take, yet many of us don’t realise the impact.

Australia generates 22kg of e‑waste per person each year, nearly triple the global average. By 2030, our national total is expected to reach 657,000 tonnes. Recycling a single phone may feel small, but multiplied across millions of households, it becomes game‑changing.

Inside every device are recoverable materials, cobalt, lithium, copper, rare earth metals, and last year MobileMuster’s collections prevented 480 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. It’s a one‑percenter for the planet: a simple action that compounds when everyone gets involved.

The article highlights one key barrier: data concerns. 41% of Australians hesitate to recycle because they worry about personal information on their device.

MobileMuster removes that barrier entirely. Every device is dismantled, and all data is physically destroyed. Once people know this, they’re far more likely to act. In fact, Australians aware of MobileMuster are 60% more likely to recycle their next phone.

Your old phone can still make a difference

Whether your phone is smashed, water‑damaged or long dead, it can be recycled and help the environment, preventing the need for more mining for the materials. Dropping it off takes minutes, and the materials inside can be recovered and returned to use. Find your nearest drop-off point. 

Read the full story

The New Daily’s feature dives deeper into Australia’s e‑waste challenge and why small actions matter. Click through to read the full article and see how your old phone can make a real difference.