Use it or recycle it
Increasing your mobile phone’s life cycle is sustainable and better for the planet. Software upgrades and repair make it easier to keep your phone for longer.
Research shows that we are holding onto our mobile phones for longer than ever before. In Australia mobile phones are being used for longer by the same owner. The average mobile phone replacement cycle has reached 30 months in Australia.
We have some great ideas on how to reduce the impact of your unused mobile phone and improve your environmental footprint. If you have an old mobile phone at home going to waste in storage, think about reusing or recycling it.
Encouraging more Australians to responsibly reuse and recycle their mobile phone will result in greater environmental benefits and positive climate change impacts.
Recycle it
Recycling is the final stage of the mobile phone life cycle and includes the dismantling and processing of components so the materials can be recovered to be used again. Recycling a mobile phone has benefits across several environmental indicators including global warming, resource depletion, fossil fuels and pollution.
Through recycling MobileMuster transforms the components from mobile phone waste into valuable materials for reuse. It means that fewer raw materials need to be extracted and processed to make new products.
Follow the journey of what happens when you drop off your mobile phone for recycling at a MobileMuster collection point. You will see how the phones are dismantled and discover the materials that can be recovered. We will show you how recycling efforts — big and small – have a lasting, positive impact on our environment.
If mobile phones aren’t recycled properly, they can have negative environmental impacts, especially if they end up in landfill. By recycling your mobile phone today you will be helping reduce the impact on the environment of tomorrow.
Repair it
Extend the life of your phone through repair.
It is estimated that around 80% of the carbon emissions linked to mobile phones are generated in the manufacturing stage. Creating a phone requires materials that need to be mined and processed which is a carbon intensive process.
Repairing a phone can extend its life and reduce the environmental impact of the device. It plays an integral role in the circular economy by keeping products and materials in use for longer. Extending the life of your phone means fewer resources are extracted from the earth, less energy is required to manufacture a new product and the saving of carbon emissions.
If your mobile phone needs repairs, get in contact with the manufacturer or retailer where you purchased it. They will be able to provide you with information on how the device can be repaired using their service centres or an authorised repairer. It is important to use genuine replacement parts when getting your device repaired. Also check to make sure the repair comes with a warranty.
Reuse it
Reuse extends the lifecycle of your mobile, thereby reducing its environmental impact.
Mobile phones have a greater chance of being reused if they are sold or given away shortly after consumers have upgraded rather than storing them at home. It is in this period that devices have the greatest reuse value.
Extending the life of a product is an important part of the circular economy and will reduce their environmental impact. Our members can help extend the life of your phone through trade-in programs.
If your mobile is still working, consider extending its life by either selling it or passing it on to friends and family. Remember to remove any data that you would like to keep, take a look at our data management tips, before you sell or give your phone away.
Getting your device ready
If you are getting a phone repaired, looking to sell it or pass it on, or even looking to recycle it, make sure you back up your device and download any information you want to keep. If your device won’t turn on or respond, complete as many steps as possible. When MobileMuster recycles phones, any data left on the device is destroyed through our processes.
Watch our “How to” videos and follow our steps for managing data on your Android or iOS device. Instructions can vary depending on your mobile phone. If you still need help, look up your phone manufactures website or contact their support services.
How to recycle
Post it back
There are three mailing options to post back your old mobiles and accessories for recycling. The mailing options are free and will be paid by MobileMuster.
- Use your own packaging and attach an AusPost Returns Label. Complete the online AusPost form.
- Pick up a MobileMuster satchel from your local Australia Post office.
- Complete the form below and we will send you a MobileMuster mailing satchel.
Once you have chosen your preferred mailing option find an AusPost Post Office or street posting boxes. There are over 20,000 Australia Post boxes Australia wide. If you wish to track your parcel enter the barcode on the AusPost website to see when it has reached our recycling facility.
Drop it off
Recycling your old mobiles has never been easier. We provide several options ensuring your mobile is recycled to the highest environmental standards.
Recycle at your local Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and Officeworks store or search for your nearest drop off point below.
We accept all brands of mobile phones, chargers, and accessories for recycling. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some collection sites are closed. If this impacts you, please recycle at home using our free post back options.
MobileMuster ensures that all the materials that have gone into making your electronics can be recovered and used again. Recycling is good for the planet and 100% carbon neutral with MobileMuster.