Media release 23 May 2007
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New toolkit aids teachers and students with mobile phone recycling

MobileMuster, the national recycling program of the mobile phone industry, officially launched its online education kit for primary and secondary schools today, to assist young Australians in protecting our environment by recycling their old mobile phone, batteries and accessories.

The MobileMuster Schools Kit includes a series of activities tailored specifically for both primary and secondary levels, in accordance with the national key learning outcomes and school curriculum.

Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association’s recycling program, MobileMuster, says schools play an important role in educating young Australians about recycling and how to protect our environment.

“The MobileMuster Schools Kit will make it easier for primary and secondary schools to learn about mobile phone recycling and how to run their own collection program. With a free pick-up service, promotional materials and collection units provided at no cost, staff and students will find learning about recycling and running their own mobile phone muster simple and effortless,” she said.

Brian Scarsbrick, Landcare Australia Chief Executive, said that the Junior Landcare program is one of Landcare’s most successful and vibrant areas. “Junior Landcare encourages young Australians to play an active role in ensuring a safe future for their environment, and as a result it’s often our kids educating the adults” said Mr Scarsbrick.

“The MobileMuster Schools Kit ties in perfectly with Junior Landcare by providing a simple and effective way for kids to get involved and learn something at the same time,” he said.

According to Ms Read, the tech-savvy 16-24 year old age group, purchase a new mobile phone handset more frequently than any other age group and are most likely to hoard unused mobile phones.

“One in two teenagers purchase a new mobile phone every 18 months, resulting in thousands of unused mobile phones lying around in homes.

“Within the 16-24 year old age group, 29% have a mobile phone at home that no longer works and a further 42% intend to keep their current mobile phone as a spare when they upgrade their phone in the next 12 to 18 months,” said Ms Read.

“It is vital that students understand the importance of recycling their old mobiles, batteries and accessories and do not let them end up in landfills where small amounts of potentially hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium could be released into the environment,” added Ms Read.

The launch of the MobileMuster Schools Kit coincides with AMTA’s Old Phones, New Trees campaign, where for every mobile phone handed in for recycling between now and June 30, MobileMuster with the assistance of Landcare Australia will plant a native tree.

Together MobileMuster and Landcare Australia aim to plant up to 100,000 native trees to help repair degraded bush land, restore biodiversity and reduce global warming.

To download the MobileMuster Schools Kit or for more information visit www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730 070.