MobileMuster is inviting local councils nationwide to show off their mobile phone recycling efforts by entering the 2008 MobileMuster Local Government Awards.

MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile telecommunications industry, launched the awards in 2007, with the aim of recognising the outstanding efforts by local councils in promoting and collecting mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories for recycling.

Winners of the five awards will be announced during the Local Government Constitutional Summit – a special National General Assembly, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre from 8 December – 11 December 2008.

Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association’s (AMTA) official recycling program, MobileMuster, says councils play a major role in educating local communities about waste and recycling.

“The network of local councils across the country has boosted annual collection of recycled mobile phones, batteries and accessories, from 1.4 tonnes in 2006-2007 to 3.8 tonnes in 2007-2008.

“There was a fantastic response to the inaugural awards last year and I look forward to seeing the nominations for this year’s competition. With over 280 local councils actively involved in the MobileMuster program, the awards will be keenly contested,” said Ms Read.

Councils are welcome to nominate for three of the five categories, including Best Promoter, Working with Schools, Top Collector/Recycler (overall and per population) and the National Excellence Award. Councils can register for the Best Promoter, Working with Schools and National Excellence categories.

The Best Promoter Award will recognise the local council that has actively and creatively promoted mobile phone recycling to their community.

Working with Schools Award will be given to the local council that has encouraged and supported their local schools to learn about mobile phone recycling and running musters, using the MobileMuster school activity sheets and participating in MobileMuster School Challenges.

Top Collector/Recycler Award will be presented to two councils. Firstly, one award will go to the local council that has directly collected the most mobile phone components over the past twelve months by weight and secondly, by weight per 1,000 people.

The National Excellence Award will be presented to the local council that has proactively promoted and creatively engaged their community in mobile phone recycling as well as actively collecting mobile phones.

“By participating in the program, councils can educate and help residents conserve natural resources, avoid greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment by recycling mobile phones.

“I encourage all councils to nominate their recycling efforts in the 2008 MobileMuster Local Government Awards,” concluded Ms Read.

Nominations are open until Wednesday 19 November 2008. For more information or to nominate online go to www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730070.