These guidelines have been prepared for MobileMuster collection points that collect mobile phone components including handsets, their batteries, chargers and accessories. The program also accepts mobile wifi modems and smart watches.
Mobile phone batteries accepted by the program include Lithium Ion, Lithium Polymer, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and lead acid batteries.
All registered collection points must comply with MobileMuster’s Terms and Conditions for collecting on behalf of the program, these can be viewed on our website, click here.
All mobile phone components placed into a MobileMuster collection unit become the property of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA). Mobile phones must only be collected on behalf of AMTA for the purpose of recycling. All mobile components, including handsets, collected must not be reused, resold or removed from the collection unit.
You must inform AMTA and the police immediately if someone other than AMTA’s approved courier removes or attempts to remove any mobile components collected on behalf of AMTA. Any unauthorised removal of mobile phone components will be treated as theft.
All collection units must be secured to prevent unauthorised access, theft or vandalism. Ensure they placed in a secure location where staff can keep an eye on it at all times, is accessible by the public (if listed as a public drop-off point) and/or your staff. The unit must not present a tripping hazard or obstruction, is near a heat source (e.g. in the sun, near an oven), near corrosive chemicals or outside not protected from the elements.
When you are ready to book in a pick-up, batteries, where possible, should remain in the handset, any loose batteries require their terminals to be taped to prevent contact with other batteries. Then rubber banded and top to tailed before being placed into the box for transporting. There can only be a maximum of 20 loose mobile phone batteries in any collection. If you have more than 20 loose batteries, still pack them as per instructions, plus notify our booking staff and they will be able to complete the booking for you.
Before booking a free pick-up transfer your collections into a sturdy box, tape it up securely, ensuring nothing can fall out during transporting. Wear gloves if you can when handling mobile phone components, especially batteries as they may cause skin irritation and burning. Always wash your hands after handling any components.
Batteries must be packed in inner packaging that completely enclose the battery and must be protected so as to prevent short circuits. We recommend stacking them top to tail then and rubber banding them together before placing in a plastic bag to reduce the risk of terminals touching, then into the sturdy box.
Fill up the box as much as you can to minismise movement during transporting. Do not crush, compact or disassemble the batteries. Each box should be no heavier than 15kgs. If you are shipping larger collections the total weight of lithium batteries per transport unit must not exceed 333kg and the total weight of each container must not exceed 400kg
Once the booking has been confirmed you will be emailed with a shipping notice. The notice will contain the UN ADG Code, print this off and attach a copy to each box being collected.
If batteries are damaged and/or leaking they need to be separated from the other mobile phone components and put into a thick plastic zip‐lock bag to prevent the liquid and gas escaping. Please dispose of these damaged batteries responsibly and contact your local council for guidance. Do not include them in the box for recycling.
When you are ready to book in a pick-up, batteries, where possible, should remain in the handset, any loose batteries require their terminals to be taped to prevent contact with other batteries. Then rubber banded and top to tailed before being placed into the box for transporting. There can only be a maximum of 20 loose mobile phone batteries in any collection. If you have more than 20 loose batteries, still pack them as per instructions, plus notify our booking staff and they will be able to complete the booking for you.
Once your components are packed you can book a free MobileMuster pickup by calling 1800 249 113 or online. You will be provided with a Case ID and emailed a Senders Shipping Notification (SSN), that includes a “Lithium Ion Caution Notice”. Print this off and attach a copy to each box being collected.
Your collection can only be picked up by a courier who has the correct Case ID written on a consignment note. Contact the police and MobileMuster immediately if any person without this Case ID attempts to remove your collection or collection unit.
Most mobile phone batteries do not present a risk to health and safety if handled correctly. However, batteries do fall under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and must be stored and transported in a secure, safe and environmentally controlled manner. Used batteries may still retain a charge, so there is the potential for unplanned discharge.
All batteries should be treated as holding a charge and stored and handled with care. Unplanned discharges may result in injury or damage to property. Some types of batteries are small enough to be ingested by children and as such should be stored in safe place away from the reach of children. If ingested contact the Poisons hotline on 13 11 26.
The following general common sense, guidelines should be applied to minimise the potential risks associated with the handling of mobile phone batteries.
We recommend wherever possible that the battery should be kept within the mobile phone when placed in the MobileMuster collection unit or transported. If there are any loose batteries in your collection, then follow instruction as explained earlier in this guide.
Do not deliberately break open lithium batteries as lithium is a reactive metal and if exposed to humid air may react and spontaneously catch on fire. Care needs to be taken to avoid physical damage to the batteries.
All single and outer packaging used for waste batteries must be vented in accordance with the ADG Code. MobileMuster and AMTA do not accept liability to any person or organisation for the advice provided in this document or incorporated into it and it should be used only as a guide and reference tool. Readers need to seek their own independent legal advice.