Mobile phone recycling scheme

If you are about to dispose of your old mobile phone, don't throw it away; hand it in for recycling and you will get Lm1 of free talk-time.

Following the launch of its handset recycling campaign earlier this year, Vodafone has decided to make the Lm1 free talk-time offer as another incentive for subscribers to recycle their old mobile phones.

All mobile phone users, irrelevant of their network operator, are being invited to participate in the recycling project. The free talk-time received in exchange for old phones can be used on an existing post-paid account or be exchanged for a Lm1 voucher which can be used when purchasing a prepaid top-up voucher.

The offer is valid until December 31.

The project is being conducted through Fonebak, a handset-recycling scheme operated by recycling partners Shields Environmental. Old handsets, batteries and accessories are either reused or else broken down for component recycling. The money raised through this recycling project is being donated to the YMCA, Valletta.

"Mobile phones and their batteries contain many materials which can be reused. These include nickel, used in production of stainless steel, cadmium, used in new batteries, plastics, copper as well as very small amounts of silver and gold," Alison Bezzina, Vodafone's brand manager, said. "Through this scheme Vodafone is encouraging the general public not only to protect the environment but also to help the YMCA."

Mobile handsets may be handed over to customer care representatives at any Vodafone retail outlet in Birkirkara, Sliema, Naxxar, Valletta, Paola and Victoria.