Mobile recycling awards reward local councils

Electronic waste recycling firm MobileMuster is encouraging local councils to spruik their achievements in promoting mobile phone recycling, with five MobileMuster Local Government Awards open for nominations until 30 May.

The five categories of the awards – which were established in 2007 to promote responsible management of electronic waste – include Best Promoter, Working with Schools Award, Top Collector Award Overall, Top Collector Per Capita and National Excellence.

“Councils play a major role in educating and making it easy for residents to recycle their old mobile phones," said MobileMuster recycling manager Rose Read in a statement.

"In the 12 months to December 2013, local councils diverted over 2,800 kg of mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories from landfill. However, with an estimated 23 million old mobile phones sitting in drawers either broken or unused around Australia, there is a lot of potential e-waste that could end up in landfill if not recycled."

Winners will be announced during the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly at the National Convention Centre on 17 June.

Nomination details and more information are available here. – David Braue