Don't let mobiles go to landfill or gather dust in a drawer! Help address the e-waste epidemic by recycling your used mobile phones and accessories. Simply drop them into a participating location.
Mobile Phones and mobile batteries cannot be recycled in your council recycling bins. There are a number of mobile phone recycling programs that you can get involved in that will help to protect our environment and conserve our natural resources.
What is MobileMuster?
MobileMuster is the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry. It is a free recycling program funded voluntarily by handset and accessory manufacturers Nokia, Motorola, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sharp, NEC, Panasonic, I-Mate, Force Technology and network carriers Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, 3 Mobile, Virgin Mobile and AAPT. It is a not-for-profit program.
Where do I drop off my phone and accessories?
You can recycle your mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories at any one of the 3000 plus public drop off points including Nokia Care and Motorola Service One Centres; mobile phone retailers Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, 3 Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Crazy Johns, Fone Zone, Allphones as well as participating local councils, Cartridge World stores and selected ANZ and Sydney Credit Union branches.
Alternatively you can pick up a free postage paid recycling satchel from your local Australia Post outlet, or download a free mailing label from www.mobilemuster.com.au
To find a drop-off location, visit RecyclingNearYou - search for Product - 'Mobile Phones' in your local area.
Why should I recycle my phone?
Do not throw your old mobiles in the rubbish as they are not biodegradable and contain small amounts of potentially harmful substances that if not managed properly may harm the environment. By recycling your old mobile phones, plastics and metals are recovered and recycled and you are reducing potential greenhouse gas emissions.
What happens to the phones?
All mobile phone components are recycled to the highest environmental standards. None are refurbished or resold. Over 90% of the plastics and metals in the mobiles are recovered and used to make plastic fence posts, stainless steel and jewellery. It is estimated that one tonne of mobile phone circuits can yield the same amount of precious metals as 110 tonnes of gold ore, 123 tonnes of silver bearing ore and 11 tonnes of copper sulphide ore. By using these recycled products, rather than the raw materials, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
Concerned about your personal data when passing on your phone?
Find out more information on our dedicated ewaste page.
