Do good with your devices - National Recycling Week

Everyone’s thinking cleaner and greener these days. And with National Recycling Week from 11 - 17 November there’s never been a better time to dig out your old and unwanted mobile phones and accessories and dispose of them in the most sustainable way.

Planet Ark started National Recycling Week in 1996 to raise awareness about the importance of recycling, and to teach people how to sort their recyclables from their rubbish. Through community events and programs to get people involved at school, home and work, the campaign aimed to clear up confusion at the council bins and keep valuable recyclable materials out of landfill. Although recycling is second nature to most people these days, there’s always more we can do to improve the way we think about and manage waste.

Let’s look at how you can get involved by doing the right thing with your old devices.
Waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle

When it comes to reducing demand for new products and the resources needed to manufacture them, looking after your device is the logical first step. Drops and bumps happen to the best of us, but a screen protector and phone case will help to extend your device’s usable life. You’ll not only avoid having to prematurely replace it, but when you do decide to upgrade, your phone could be eligible for donation to charity where it can continue to be used by someone in need.

Optus is a long-time supporter of MobileMuster, the official national recycling program of the mobile phone industry in Australia. 

Over 95% of the materials in phones and accessories can be recovered and used to make new products, and by keeping your old tech out of landfill, you’re also helping to avoid future greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, protect the environment and conserve scarce natural resources.

This helpful service isn’t limited to your mobile devices. You can drop off modems, TV streaming devices, home phones, smart speakers and even smart digital lightbulbs at any Optus retail store, all free of charge. MobileMuster’s recycling process is also 100% carbon neutral, so you can feel great knowing you’ve disposed of your old tech in the most sustainable way.

Optus is continuing to minimise the impact of its goods and services on the environment, and has set some ambitious targets to be achieved by 2025, including:

• Diverting 90% of waste from landfill
• Reusing and recycling more than 90% of our e-waste
• Using 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging on Optus-branded products and materials.

Learn how to recycle your device and equipment.

Find out more about sustainability at Optus and read the Optus Sustainability Report 2024.

We’re here to help with donating and recycling your old tech. Find your nearest store with the Optus Store locator and drop off your old phones, modems and game consoles. Or for more information, visit mobilemuster.com.au

^{This is an updated version of an article first published on 2 November 2022.}