Sustainability key as Kiwi telco sector launches mobile recycling initiative

New Zealand waterways will now be better off as a result of tens of thousands of mobile phones recycled each year through the RE:MOBILE mobile phone recycling scheme.

Comments

New Zealand waterways will now be better off as a result of tens of thousands of mobile phones recycled each year through the RE:MOBILE mobile phone recycling scheme.

The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF) has appointed Sustainable Coastlines as the new beneficiary of its accredited mobile phone product stewardship scheme, RE:MOBILE.

The collection and recycling of disused mobile phone handsets via the RE:MOBILE scheme generates revenue, which provides an opportunity to make a donation to a registered charity.

“Sustainable Coastlines was a clear choice for the REMOBILE scheme when we were looking for a new beneficiary to work with,” says Geoff Thorn, CEO, TCF.

“It has an innovative approach to protecting the environment and this aligns well with our objectives for RE:MOBILE.”

According to Thorn, technology is changing rapidly and new devices are coming on stream constantly.

As such, the New Zealand telecommunications sector believes it has a responsibility to help prevent unused handsets ending up in landfills and the industry-led RE:MOBILE scheme has been designed for this purpose.

“Approximately 95 percent of the phones can be given a new lease of life or have their components recycled,” he explains.

“Recycling collection bins are available in the mobile operators’ stores as well as a selection of businesses, schools and council offices. Look for the RE:MOBILE logo, and now, the Sustainable Coastlines logo, on our mobile phone collection bins.”

Through this new partnership, both parties aim to reduce waste sent to landfills, save valuable materials and energy, and help to look after New Zealand’s waterways.

“With 69 percent of New Zealand’s rivers deemed unsafe for swimming after rainfall due to contamination, this is important work,” adds Sam Judd, co-founder and CEO, Sustainable Coastlines.

“We have a long term vision of beautiful beaches, healthy waters and inspired people and the proceeds from the RE:MOBILE scheme, will help tremendously.”