MobileMuster and Landcare Australia have officially launched the Old Phones, More Trees campaign, where for every handset recycled by Narromine and Trangie residents between now and World Environment Day on June 5, a native tree will be planted.

Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association’s (AMTA) recycling program MobileMuster Rose Read encourages all residents to recycle their old mobiles, batteries, chargers and accessories.

“The Old Phones, More Trees campaign has come at a great time as the recent closure of the CDMA network means there are a lot of redundant mobile phones lying unused in homes and offices,” she said.

“CDMA phones no longer work and should be recycled along with all other types of old mobile phones, batteries and chargers.

“Narromine and Trangie residents will not only be able to safely recycle their old mobiles, but also help plant more native trees in degraded areas across the country.”

Ms Read said MobileMuster can recover over 90 per cent of the materials and turn them into useful household products, jewellery and stainless steel products.

“By using recycled mobile phone materials we can avoid between 60 to 90 per cent of the greenhouse gases normally emitted when making these new products,” she said.

CDMA handsets, batteries, chargers and accessories can be recycled at any one of MobileMuster’s 3000 collection points nationwide including mobile phone retailers Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, 3 Mobile, Crazy Johns, Fone Zone, Allphones, as well as local councils and businesses.

If you are unable to recycle your mobiles at one of these collection points, you can either pick up a free recycling satchel at participating Australia Post outlets or download a reply paid mailing label from www.mobilemuster.com.au.