Australians urged to donate phones to close digital divide

Research by MobileMuster, Australia's largest phone recycling programme, has revealed that approximately three in five Australians are hoarding unused mobile phones, totalling an estimated 23 million devices.

With almost a quarter of the nation facing digital exclusion, MobileMuster is urging Australians to start 2025 by donating these old phones to The Reconnect Project, a not-for-profit organisation.

The Reconnect Project repairs and donates technology to individuals in need, such as victims and survivors of domestic violence, refugees, and people experiencing homelessness.

Phones that cannot be refurbished for further use are recycled through MobileMuster.

Founder and CEO of The Reconnect Project, Annette Brodie, shared the importance of the initiative: "We are proud to partner with MobileMuster as we endeavour to create a more digitally inclusive Australia."

"This summer, MobileMuster is donating AUD $10,000 to The Reconnect Project.

This will help us refurbish and rehome 100 mobile phones – but there are so many more Australians who need access to a phone."

Brodie emphasised the impact of technology affordability on access: "As the cost of living remains high, people are struggling to afford essential technology that could offer a pathway to employment, education, and even safety. Wipe your phone's data in a few simple steps and find your nearest drop-off point or mail it to The Reconnect Project. Your old phone could give someone the tools they need to start a new chapter."

Louise Hyland, CEO of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, the entity managing MobileMuster, highlighted the environmental benefits of the initiative: "90 per cent of a phone's embodied carbon emissions are created when the phone is made."

"If you can't wipe your phone's data, you can recycle it at one of MobileMuster's drop-off points or post it to us."

"Extending the phone's life through refurbishment initiatives like The Reconnect Project or recycling them via MobileMuster will help reduce Australia's emissions and overall e-waste."

The Reconnect Project also provides employment opportunities to neurodivergent young adults, offering training in mobile phone repair, retail operations, and customer service.

Brodie explained, "We're not only addressing the digital divide but also creating pathways to meaningful employment and social inclusion."

Australia is currently the fifth-highest producer of electronic waste globally, with e-waste increasing three times faster than other waste types.

This poses significant challenges for environmental sustainability.

"By finding ways to extend phones' lives for as long as possible, we can save resources, protect the environment and lower our carbon footprint," added Hyland.

MobileMuster and The Reconnect Project are urging the public to donate their surplus phones this season to impact digital inclusion positively and reduce environmental waste.