MobileMuster has joined its local council recycling partners to encourage householders to start the New Year by doing something good for the environment and recycle their old mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories.

At least half of residents in local government areas across Australia are likely to have received or upgraded to a new mobile phone this Christmas, meaning thousands of old or unused handsets, batteries and chargers are going to waste, cluttering drawers and cupboards at home or work.

Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association’s (AMTA) national recycling program, MobileMuster, urged residents to round up all their old mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories as part of their annual clean out this New Year and hand them in now for recycling.

“With over 90% of the plastics and metals in your old mobiles being recoverable, residents will be helping their local environment by returning essential metals and plastics for reuse, in turn avoiding future greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our demand on natural resources.

“It is important residents don’t throw them in the rubbish, where heavy metals like cadmium and lead can end up in landfill,” said Ms Read.

Local governments are a valuable contributor to the success of the MobileMuster program by setting up local collection points in council offices, transfer stations and, most importantly, promoting the recycling message to their residents, schools and businesses.

There are about 300 councils with nearly 800 locations participating in the recycling program. In 2007-08 local councils collected 4000 kgs – a 250% increase on the previous year and the amount is 4% of total collections.

MobileMuster is a free year-round recycling service and is run on a not-for-profit basis. All recycling is conducted to the highest environmental standards and none of the mobiles are resold for reuse.

“The program is fully funded by the majority of mobile phone handset manufacturers and network service providers in Australia, many of which host collection points at their retail outlets and service centres.

“Since MobileMuster started in 1999 we have collected 550 tonnes of mobile phone handsets, batteries and accessories for recycling, including 3.8 million handsets and batteries,” concluded Ms Read.

Residents can hand in their old mobile phones, batteries, accessories and chargers for recycling at any one of MobileMuster’s 3,500 drop-off points nationally. Alternatively they can pick up a free recycling satchel from participating Australia Post outlets or downloading a free reply paid label from www.mobilemuster.com.au

To find your nearest MobileMuster drop off point or to download a free mailing label go to www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730 070.