 How
many mobile phones are in use in Australia ? |
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The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association estimates
that there were about 12.8 million mobile phone connections
in Australia as at the end of 2003. |
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| How
many unused mobile phones are there in Australia? |
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It is estimated that there are about 10 million unused mobile
phones sitting around people homes and offices around Australia
These will eventually all end up in landfill if nothing is
done in collecting them. |
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What
are the environmental hazards associated with mobile
phones
ending up in landfill? |
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Mobile phones and accessories contain concentrations
of toxic heavy metals or other metals including cadmium,
lead, nickel, mercury, manganese, lithium, zinc, arsenic,
antimony, beryllium, and copper.
Metals such as these are considered as:
 persistent
(ie don't degrade in the environment) and
bioaccumulative
(ie build up in fatty tissue so can reach toxic levels
over
time)
If any of these metals are allowed to leak into the environment,
e.g. in a landfill when NiCd battery cases rupture or corrode,
in significant quantities, they may leach into the water
courses or contaminate the soil. Metals build up in the
soil and they can then enter the food chain and in sufficient
concentrations may cause health problems.
Chemicals such as these are associated with a range of
adverse human health effects, including damage to the nervous
system, reproductive and developmental problems, cancer
and genetic impacts
Cadmium for example is considered as the 7th
most dangerous substance known to man. It is toxic heavy
metal that can harm humans and animals that ingest it. It
is also carcinogenic.
Our rubbish and the way we handle it is contributing to
the upward shift in the planet's temperature that causes
extreme weather conditions.
Landfill is not sustainable and by continually filling
up our tips with unnecessary rubbish will create a long
term pollution risk to the environment. |
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| What
do you do with the phones you receive? |
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All phones collected are extensively tested, repaired if
necessary, refurbished and re-sold into developing countries
where low cost handsets are needed. Mobile phones that can
not be re-used, components are extracted to be used as spare
parts. Older phones that are seriously damaged are sent to
material recycling, where materials can be recovered and put
back into productive use. The remaining materials are sent
for disposal in an environmentally friendly manner with licensed
recyclers, with no materials going to landfill. |
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What
do you do with phones and accessories that can not be
re-used? |
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Mobile phones and accessories that can not be re-used,
are sent to our authorised recycling partner,
who extracts useful raw materials and disposes of
the remainder in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
Recycling is an important part of our corporate mission
and who we are. We are proud of the fact that we do not
have a dumpster at our facility, because all of the toxic
materials and scrap are sent to companies who specialize
in the proper processing and disposal of these materials.
|
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| How
will you track the number of phones collected? |
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All phones received will be recorded and entered into a
database which handles receipt and processing of phones. Details
of the Brand, Model and IMEI number of the phones received
are recorded. |
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| Which
charities are involved? |
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A list of charities is available on the ARP website (Click
here) or call our
(03) 9532 1237 number to talk to our staff. |
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| Do
you take any mobile phones? |
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ARP accepts most makes and models of mobile phones, whether
in working order or not.
We don't accept:
Cordless
phones meant for home use
Vehicle-installed
phones
2-way
radios, pagers, walkie-talkies
Almost every mobile phone has the potential to be recycled.
Be sure to include the batteries and chargers if available.
|
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| Where
can I send my used mobile phone? |
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ARP offers a number of convenient ways to send your
phone for recycling:
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To obtain complete information call (03)
9532 1237 anytime
between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday and our operators
will be happy to help you. |
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|
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The methods by which you can donate your
phone are as follows: |
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1. Collection Box: |
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You can drop off your phones in a Collection Box
at participating locations. Call and find out your closest
location. |
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2. Satchel pick up points: |
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You can go in and pick up a Reply Paid satchel and
mail your phones. Call and find out your closest location.
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3. Free Courier Pickup: |
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If you have 10 phones in the Melbourne Metropolitan
area or 16 phones everywhere else, we will come and
pick up the phones from you. |
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| Can
I designate that my phone will go to a charity of my choice? |
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Yes. You have an option on your registration form to tick the
charity you would like to support. |
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| Why
should my company participate? |
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This is an easy way for your organisation to fund philanthropic
efforts. This program is simple to implement and requires
no investment. It also enhances your company's image as a
charitable and environmentally responsible organisation. |
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| How
can my company get involved with ARP? |
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It is very easy for companies nationwide to get involved
and help make a difference. All they have to do is register
with the Aussie Recycling Program who will then forward
you a Starter Kit that will tell you everything you need
to know to start a mobile phone collection within your organisation.
To register, click here
or call (03) 9532 1237. It is a great way for people to
turn a former resource into something valuable that will
help people in need. |
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My organisation is small. How can we possibly benefit?
|
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Don't let the size of your organisation hold you back. With
effective community networking, you can find mobile phones
very easy to come by. If you represent a school for example
get the school council involved in promoting your scheme to
parents, local businesses, and any other contacts. This will
open up tremendous possibilities to collect and earn. |