Mobile phone recycling now easier in Canberra

It is now easier and more convenient for Canberrans to recycle their old mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories with MobileMuster drop-off points going into regional recycling centres throughout the territory.

MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, is partnering with the ACT government to make mobile phone recycling easier and more accessible for residents.

The ACT government is funding the installation of six collection bins at regional recycling centres including Belconnen, Mitchell, Phillip, Tuggeranong, Macgregor and Symonston.

Rose Read, manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association’s (AMTA) recycling program, MobileMuster, says there are almost 290,000 old mobile phones stored in ACT homes and offices, and at least 137,000 of these are no longer in use and are ready to be recycled now.

“More than 90% of the materials found in mobile phones and accessories are recovered and used to make new items like jewellery, stainless steel products and plastic fence posts. This helps conserve natural resources, avoid greenhouse gases and protects our environment from potentially harmful materials,” said Read.

Since the recycling program was initiated in 1999, MobileMuster has collected 499 tonnes of mobile phone handsets, batteries and accessories for recycling. This equates to 3.5 million handsets and batteries and over 236 tonnes of accessories.

“Over the last 12 months alone, Canberrans have recycled over 2120 kg of mobile phones, including 7500 handsets and batteries, all of which have been diverted from landfill,” said Read.

MobileMuster collection points across the ACT include the Department of Environment and the Department of Families, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs offices, the Nokia Care Centre, mobile phone retailers Crazy Johns, FoneZone, Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, Allphones, and participating ANZ, Harvey Norman and Cartridge World stores.