MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, is calling on local councils which have helped promote and collect mobile phones for recycling over the past year to enter the 2010 MobileMuster Local Government Awards.

The awards, established in 2007, recognise and celebrate outstanding local government efforts in promoting and collecting mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories for recycling.

The winning councils will be announced during the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 14th June – 17th June 2010. 

Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association’s (AMTA) official recycling program, MobileMuster, encourages councils to nominate for the awards.

“Councils play a major role in educating residents about waste and collecting mobile phones for recycling. With most homes having at least two broken or unused mobiles sitting in drawers, there is a lot of potential e-waste that could end up in landfills if not recycled.

“In the year to December 2010, local councils diverted almost 3,100 kg of mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories from landfill. This included over 30,000 handsets and batteries as well as 1,100 kg in accessories,” said Ms Read.

Previous winners of the awards include Eurobodalla Shire Council, Brisbane City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Lismore City Council, City of Stirling, Lockhart Shire Council, Dalby Regional Council, Eastern Metropolitan Regional and the Shire of Lake Grace.

There are five awards up for grabs, including Best Promoter, Working with Schools Award, Top Collector Award Overall , Top Collector per Capita and National Excellence.

“I encourage all councils to nominate for the 2010 MobileMuster Local Government Awards,” concluded Ms Read.

Nominations close on Tuesday 1ST June 2010, for more information and to nominate for the awards go to www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730 070.