Recycling around 33,000 old mobile phones can get you 3665 aluminium cans

According to Rose Read, recycling manager at MobileMuster at Bega Valley, Australia, there are 32,999 old, broken or unused mobile phones stored in homes, offices and garages.

“Every Australian needs to take responsibility for their contribution to our ever mounting e-waste problem and this World Environment Day (June 5), is the perfect opportunity for Bega Valley residents to collectively make an impact,” Ms Read said.

“If everyone dug out just one old mobile phone and recycled it, collectively we could make a significant difference.”

In the Bega Valley Shire alone, MobileMuster has calculated the 32,999 old mobile phones and accessories which could prevent mining 103 tonnes of precious metal ore.

Environmentally, that’s the equivalent to planting 87 trees.

The same number of phones could also be turned into 3665 aluminium cans, or 97 plastic fence posts, as more than 90 per cent of mobile phone components and materials recovered through the recycling process can be reused.

“If you want to lessen your shire’s contribution to Australia’s e-waste problem and help conserve our natural resources, all you have to do is drop off your old mobiles and accessories at your local mobile phone retailer, visit mobilemuster.com.au to find your nearest one.

“Alternatively, you can post them in using our free reply-paid recycling satchels available at any Australia Post outlet,” Ms Read said.

MobileMuster is the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry in Australia.

The aim of the program is to keep old mobiles out of landfill and ensure they are recycled safely, securely and ethically. It is a free service available to everyone.

Since the program’s inception, MobileMuster has recycled over 1000 tonnes of old mobile phone components, replacing the need to mine over 25,270 tonnes of precious metal ore.