ANU comes to the mobile recycling party

The Australian National University is claiming to be the first university in Australia to implement the mobile phone recycling program MobileMuster.

A total of 194 mobile phone products, including 134 handsets, were collected from staff and students during the first four weeks of the muster, which is an initiative of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA).

Mr Barry Hughes from the University's environmental office ANUgreen said the launch had been a success " meaning that the 90 per cent of recyclable material in mobile phone handsets could be converted into new products such as jewellery, fence posts and stainless steel.

"The level of commitment from staff and students at ANU and CSIRO has been excellent. We hope to collect a lot more mobiles during the year at our permanent drop-off points at University House Supermarket, ANU Bakery, the Co-op Bookshop on campus, and God's Café," he said.

AMTA CEO Chris Althaus applauded ANU for leading the way on mobile phone recycling at universities, and encouraged other educational institutions to join the program.

"Research has indicated more than 12 million unused phones are stored in drawers and cupboards across the country. These are not biodegradable and should not be thrown in the rubbish bin, where potentially they could harm the environment," he said.

"By recycling their old mobile phones, batteries and accessories, ANU staff and students are saving valuable resources and protecting the environment."