Coinciding with the release of some of the latest smartphones, UK mobile phone recycling company Fonebank has launched in Australia, bringing to our shores a profitable and environmentally-friendly way of disposing of old mobile phones.
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association estimates that around 23 million unused mobile phones are scattered across the country with nine million new phones imported every year. Most Australians upgrade handsets every 18 to 24 months, yet continue to hold onto old devices. Meanwhile, the phones lose remaining value as they get older.
Fonebank not only puts money into people’s pockets but also benefits the environment, community, and people in developing countries.
Sam Fairhall, Managing Director of Fonebank Australia said, “We’re excited about bringing Fonebank to Australia, providing Aussies with an easy and reliable way to dispose of the old devices that are collecting dust in their homes. Australia is full of smart people and smart companies who are looking for smarter ways to get rid of the e-waste that comes from a high level of technology turnover. Our mantra is to reduce, re-use and only then recycle to avoid nasty landfill.”
The company assesses mobile phones at market value and offers cash back for old devices, including tablets. Fonebank accepts an extensive list of working and some non-working models.
Fonebank’s easy payment system dispatches the cash within 48 hours of receiving the device.
Fonebank gets more life out of a single mobile, as re-used devices are sold at affordable prices to locals in disadvantaged parts in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. As landlines can often be inaccessible, this provides a sustainable means of communication, helping locals to run businesses and making it easier for families to stay in touch.
Broken or obsolete phones beyond economic repair are recycled, reducing landfill and the leaching of toxic poisons into our waterways. Over 90 per cent of the materials in mobile phones can be recovered – decreasing demand for the mining of precious materials used to make new phones.
Fonebank also offers ‘Fonebank Fundraiser’, which assists not-for-profit organisations and schools to raise money from mobile phone recycling.
Companies can benefit too, with recycling an effective way to achieve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives through reducing landfill, recouping the funds from unused mobiles and, if they choose, donating proceeds to causes they support.
For more information or to find out how much your old phone is worth, visit the Fonebank Australia website at www.fonebank.com.au
