Mobile phone users in Australia can now return handsets, batteries and accessories from major suppliers like Ericsson, Nokia, and Philips, to local recycling stations, thanks to the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA).
New phone equipment from participating vendors will carry a surcharge of AUD$1 (US$.63) to pay for the program. It will benefit vendors as well since Australia is changing from its older analog cellular phone network to a cellular network; as customers recycle their older equipment they will purchase phones designed for the new network. More than 400 retail stores in the country will serve as collection points. A Melbourne-based recycler will remove hazardous battery components and melt the plastic and metal pieces.
AMTA collected 100,000 batteries in six months during a pilot phase. The group is considering including computer laptops and two-way radio phones in the recycling program if suppliers get involved.
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association: [sorry this link is no longer available]
To learn about a similar program in Europe, read last month’s Spotlight section.
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