MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, is calling on local councils who have helped promote and collect mobile phones for recycling over the last year to nominate for the 2011 MobileMuster Local Government Awards.
The awards, established in 2007, recognise and celebrate the tremendous efforts by Local Government in promoting and collecting mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories for recycling.
The winning councils will be announced during the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on 19–22 June 2011.
Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association’s (AMTA) official recycling program, MobileMuster, encourages councils to nominate for the awards.
“Councils play a major role in educating residents about waste and collecting mobile phones for recycling,” she said.
“In the 12 months to December 2010, local councils diverted almost 3,800 kilograms of mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories from landfill – an increase of 23 per cent over the previous year.
” This included over 31,000 handsets and batteries as well as 1,800 kilograms in accessories. However, with most homes still having at least two old mobiles sitting in drawers either broken or unused, there is a lot of potential e-waste that could end up in landfills if not recycled.
“To ensure councils have the support financially to address e-waste locally, MobileMuster has also recently awarded over $20,000 in e-waste grants to 21 councils.”
This year there are five MobileMuster Local Government Awards up for grabs including Best Promoter, Working with Schools Award, Top Collector Award Overall, Top Collector per Capita and National Excellence.
2010 winners included Hunter Resource Recovery (NSW representing Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Cessnock City Councils), Brisbane City Council (QLD), the Shire of Trayning (WA), Alice Springs Town Council (NT) and The Hills Shire Council (NSW).
“I encourage all councils to nominate for the 2011 MobileMuster Local Government Awards,” Rose Read said.
Nominations close on Tuesday 7 June 2011.
For more information and to nominate for the awards go to www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730 070.
*Copy supplied by Mobile Muster
