Mobile Phones

Why recycle?
While one of life's conveniences, mobile phones contain a cocktail of highly toxic elements that can cause a variety of serious health issues in humans. These toxic ingredients include metals and chemicals such as arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc and flame retardant. Metals are persistent - they don't degrade in the environment, and bioaccumulative - they build up in fatty tissue so they can reach toxic levels over time. Flame retardants can react to form highly toxic dioxins and furans. These toxins have been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory problems, damage to the nervous system and reproductive system, genetic abnormality, developmental problems and cancers. Poisonous substances which leach from decomposing waste in landfills can seep into groundwater, contaminate the soil and enter the food chain.

What will happen to my mobile phone?
Mobile phones that are not too old or damaged are cleaned and repaired then sent overseas for resale in developing countries. It's a great way to provide affordable access to telecommunications in areas which currently have little modern telecommunications infrastructure. All other mobile phones are recycled by an experienced e-waste recycler such as MRI. This helps save our planet's precious resources as well as keep potentially toxic ingredients safe.

How can I help?
Drop your old mobile phone and accessories into any of the SIX Cirrus Computers stores or you can arrange a collection by going to www.cleanup.com.au. For every donated phone Clean Up Australia will receive $3 from our recycling partner, Aussie Recycling Program, that will fund Clean Up Australia Day and other environmental campaigns.