The community’s growing uptake of so-called smart phones presents an opportunity for consumers to recycle their old, outdated mobiles and to do something for the environment as they adopt new technology.

According to figures from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 3G mobile services in operation as a percentage of the population is 23%. There are more than 4.5 million 3G mobile services in Australia, a 192% increase between June 30, 2006, and June 30, 2007.

A recent study undertaken by m.Net Corporation and the Department of Commerce, University of Adelaide, says there has been a change in consumer attitudes and there is growing engagement of services beyond voice to a range of services, including music and video download, mobile broadband, improved internet connectivity and a host of other data-rich services.

“The usability of the handset is also becoming more important to consumers (80% of respondents wanted a larger screen, for example). This sets the groundwork for the use of the phone beyond voice and SMS,” says the study.

The Manager of MobileMuster, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) Recycling Program, Rose Read, said the growing trend of upgrading mobile phone technology presented an opportunity for consumers to recycle their old phones.

“Studies show that the adoption of 3G technology is having a positive effect on productivity by allowing people to exchange complex data and other information while on the move, which saves time and money,” she said.

“This trading up to new technology is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of recycling old mobile phones, batteries and accessories. Recycling mobile phones can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, as one tonne of mobile phone circuits can yield the same amount of precious metals as mining 110 tonnes of gold ore.

“MobileMuster can recover over 90% of the plastics and metals found in recycled mobile phones, batteries and accessories, such as gold, silver and copper and reuse them to make new products such as jewellery, stainless steel products and plastic fence posts.

“By recycling your old handset after purchasing the new 3G phone, you will not only have the latest technology but will also helping to protect the environment.”

“80% of people choose to keep or give away their old mobile phone which means many people now have two or three unused mobiles at home or work ready to be recycled. I encourage everyone to dig out these old mobiles from their drawers and hand them in for recycling,” concluded Ms Read.

There are over 3,000 MobileMuster collection points across Australia, 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.

If you are unable to recycle your mobiles at a MobileMuster collection point, you can pick up a free recycling satchel at participating Australia Post outlets or by downloading a mailing label from www.mobilemuster.com.au.

To find your nearest collection point go to www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730 070