Vodafone Malta Ltd is intensifying its Handset Recycling Campaign during the Malta International Trade Fair. The campaign encourages the return of old mobile handsets, including batteries, chargers and accessories, specifically mobiles that are no longer useable.

Vodafone is the only Maltese mobile operator that offers this recycling service. Old mobile phones may be deposited either at the Vodafone Trade Fair stand or at one of Vodafone’s retail outlets. All mobile phone users, irrelevant of their network operator, are invited to participate. Vodafone is giving away a free linen bag for every mobile phone handed in.

Apart from the environmental benefits of handset recycling, Vodafone is extending its social involvement by donating all the revenue generated from this campaign to YMCA Valletta.

When old mobile phones are no longer useable or an old mobile phone is replaced with a new model, the old sets are usually either left at home, or thrown away with domestic rubbish. Dumping old mobile phones, chargers, batteries and other accessories in landfills causes pollution through the emission of greenhouse gasses and other environmental pollutants such as CFCs and HFCs. These gases contribute towards the destruction of the ozone layer that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays.

“Vodafone is keenly aware of its responsibility towards the environment. We would like to encourage people to return their old mobile phones, as well as batteries, chargers and accessories. A mobile phone contains various materials that are harmful to the environment. Through this campaign we would like to create awareness about the benefits derived from the recycling of mobile phones, in an effort to contribute towards our environment and society,” said corporate affairs manager Deborah Grech.

Vodafone is operating this recycling system through Fonebak, a company that recycles mobile handsets and accessories together with partner company Shields Environmental.

Old mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories collected through Vodafone’s Handset Recycling Campaign are shipped to the UK for recycling. Fonebak’s aim is to re-use the returned mobile phones. Where this is not possible, the handsets are broken down for component and material recycling.

“Hundreds of mobile phones have been returned to Vodafone since the launch of this campaign in June 2004. Vodafone Malta’s handset recycling project forms part of a global programme initiated by Vodafone Group whereby similar programmes are run in countries where the company operates. We are sure that this campaign will generate further awareness about protecting our environment,” said Ms Grech.

For further information about this campaign Save the Environment for our Children - Recycle your old mobile phone, customers can call 247 from their Vodafone or 2148-2820 from any other line. To contact Customers Service one may also send an email to [email protected]