MobileMuster’s recycling programme stands out for how easy it is to use. It’s national, accredited by the government, and run by the telecommunications industry.
Three easy ways to get your phone to MobileMuster:
Use a free returns label
Use your own packaging and attach a prepaid returns label. Complete the online form. Note that your package should not exceed 10kgs. If it does, please use multiple packages.
Pick up a satchel
Pick up a free MobileMuster satchel from select Australia Post locations. It’s best to call ahead to see if they have the satchels available.
Order your free satchel online
Head to mobilemuster.com.au and request a pre-paid recycling satchel. It’ll turn up in your letterbox within a few business days. It’s designed to hold a phone and a few small accessories – and best of all, the postage is already paid.
No need to print anything, fill in forms, or visit a drop-off point. Just wait for the satchel, and you’re halfway there.
Remove personal data
Before posting off your phone, it’s a good idea to remove your personal information – especially if the device still works. While MobileMuster never resells or refurbishes devices, your data is still your responsibility.
Here’s what to do:
- Back up anything important – contacts, photos, videos, notes.
- Remove your SIM card and any external memory cards.
- Do a factory reset – this wipes everything from the phone’s internal memory.
If you’re not sure how to reset your device, MobileMuster’s website has handy guides for Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, and most other popular brands. If the phone no longer powers on or the screen is broken, just remove the SIM and send it in as-is.
Pack it up and post it off
Place your phone in the satchel. You can also include accessories like charging cables, earphones, power banks and even smartwatches. MobileMuster accepts just about anything that was designed to connect via mobile networks.
Once it’s sealed, drop the satchel in any standard Australia Post box – no need to go into the post office. And that’s it. You’ve officially recycled a phone!
What happens to your phone?
Once received, your phone heads to MobileMuster’s secure recycling facility, where it’s dismantled by hand. Devices aren’t repaired, resold or refurbished – this program is strictly about recovery and recycling.
Parts are separated and sent to specialist recyclers.
- Metals like copper, aluminium, silver and gold are recovered and used to make new electronics, batteries and tools
- Plastics are processed into pellets and reused in manufacturing
- Glass and ceramics (often from screens) are ground down and repurposed
- Lithium batteries are sent to dedicated battery recyclers, where valuable minerals are extracted
- On average, more than 95% of the materials in a mobile phone can be recovered – which means fewer raw resources need to be mined, and far less waste ends up in landfill.
Visit mobilemuster.com.au to get started.
