The MobileMust3r survey revealed that 44% NSW residents bought a new mobile over the Christmas period or were considering purchasing one in the summer sales.

MobileMuster, the official recycling scheme of the mobile telecommunications industry, estimates that if the 22 million old mobiles no longer being used were recycled, it would divert nearly 120 tonnes of plastic from landfill and have the environmental benefit of planting over 86,000 trees or taking 4,000 cars off the road.

NSW has become the place for e-waste hoarders, with nearly half 49% of residents having one or more old mobile phones lying around at home.

Not-for-profit recycling program MobileMuster, have called on people to recycle their old mobiles following the Christmas and summer sale mobile buy-up.

“A third (33%) of NSW residents said they were holding onto their old mobile just in case they need it,” said Rose Read, recycling manager for MobileMuster.

“As demand for more sophisticated mobile technology increases, old mobiles kept in drawers for a rainy day will become increasingly less likely to be used.”

Hawkesbury City Council has teamed up with MobileMuster to allow residents to drop off old mobile phones at Council’s Administration Building, the Hawkesbury City Waste Management Facility, Hawkesbury Central Library and Richmond Branch Library, or pick up a reply-paid recycling satchel at any Australia Post store and post it in.

For more information why you should recycle your old mobile go to www.mobilemuster.com.au