MobileMuster sets highest benchmark for e-waste recycling

Australian Government gives green tick to MobileMuster

 

The Federal Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt announced today that MobileMuster, the mobile telecommunications industry’s official recycling scheme has been formally accredited by the Federal Government as Australia’s first voluntary product stewardship scheme under the Product Stewardship Act 2011.

 

The accreditation gives the green tick to the industry’s recycling program MobileMuster recognising both its achievement over the past 16 years and the mobile industry’s commitment to continue to keep old mobiles and accessories out of landfill and recycling them responsibly the future.

 

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) manages MobileMuster on behalf of its members. The industry has invested over $36 million in the not-for-profit program, which is free to consumers.

 

Minister Hunt acknowledged that e-waste is a growing problem in Australia and across the globe, and that all levels of government, industry and the community have a shared responsibility to tackle the problem. “The Government is proud to welcome into its voluntary product stewardship scheme a program such as MobileMuster, which has an impressive track record when it comes to reducing e-waste,” said Minister Hunt.

 

He also highlighted that “Product stewardship is a vital pillar of corporate responsibility. It involves manufacturers and importers taking responsibility for ensuring that the impact of their products and materials on the environment, and on human health and safety, is reduced throughout their lifecycle.”

 

Since the program started in 1998 nearly 8.8 million handsets and batteries have been recovered and recycled and this includes more than 550,000 kg of accessories as at June 2014.

 

From a resource recovery and environment benefit perspective, MobileMuster has reduced the need to mine 36,295 tonnes of precious metal ore, which is equivalent to keeping 2,400 cars off the road, planting 53,000 trees or preventing 8,781 tonnes of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Mobile phones are not biodegradeable and contain small amounts of potentially harmful substances, which if not managed properly may harm the environment and human health.

 

AMTA’s Recycling Manager, Rose Read, said receiving the Government’s accreditation gave the program a green tick of approval and recognised that MobileMuster has adhered to the highest safety and ethical standards when recycling old mobiles and accessories.

 

“The announcement today is an honour form the mobile telecommunications industry’s product stewardship program. It recognises the leadership role that MobileMuster has played over the last 16 years and our expertise in developing best practice, ethical recycling programs,” she said.

 

Currently, MobileMuster provides consumers with a free and easily accessible recycling service with over 4,000 drop-off points all around Australia or free post back option.

 

Infoactiv congratulates MobileMuster on being accredited under the Product Stewardship Act 2011, and is proud be the program’s logistics partner.

 

For details and more information visit the MobileMuster website