Same answer in every state and territory
Where to recycle old mobile phones in Australia
Anywhere in Australia, an intact old mobile phone goes free to MobileMuster, whatever the brand, with its charger and accessories. Wipe it, take out the SIM, then drop it at a participating telco store or council or post it with a free prepaid label. If it is swollen, damaged or leaking, contact MobileMuster first and never post it.
Sources MobileMuster: recycle a mobileMobileMuster FAQs: what is acceptedMobileMuster: packing and damaged batteries
What do I do with mobile phones?
- Back up and wipe it Back up what you want to keep, sign out of your accounts, factory reset the phone, and take out the SIM and any microSD card. If the phone is too damaged to wipe, MobileMuster says the data is destroyed in the recycling process.
- Drop it off or post it For a phone in normal condition, MobileMuster takes every brand, with its chargers and accessories, free. Drop-off points include participating telco stores and councils; the map at mobilemuster.com.au finds one by postcode. Or post it with a free prepaid returns label on your own packaging, up to 10 kg, or in a free satchel from a participating post office.
- Swollen or damaged? Contact MobileMuster first If the phone or its battery is swollen, damaged or leaking, do not put it in a collection bin or post it, and do not try to take a built-in battery out. Email MobileMuster at mobilemuster@amta.org.au for a safe route. Loose phone batteries are the same: never into a MobileMuster bin.
- Tablets and laptops go elsewhere MobileMuster does not accept iPads, tablets, laptops or TVs. Those are e-waste, and the rules for e-waste change by state.
MobileMuster runs nationally. It says 96% of Australians have a drop-off point within 10 km, and posting an intact phone is free for everyone else.
Where can I drop off an old phone?
For a phone in normal condition, at a MobileMuster drop-off point: participating telco stores and councils, among others. The map at mobilemuster.com.au finds the nearest one by suburb or postcode. MobileMuster says 96% of Australians have a drop-off point within 10 km. A swollen, damaged or leaking phone does not go in a collection bin; email MobileMuster first.
Can I post an old phone instead?
Yes, free, for a phone in normal condition. Print MobileMuster's prepaid returns label and attach it to your own packaging, up to 10 kg, or pick up a free satchel from a participating post office; if you live remotely, MobileMuster can mail a satchel to you. Never post a swollen, damaged or leaking phone: email mobilemuster@amta.org.au for a safe route.
What does MobileMuster accept?
Mobile phones of every brand, with their chargers and accessories. Participating telco stores also take smartwatches, tracking tags and modems. MobileMuster does not accept iPads, tablets, laptops or TVs; those go to e-waste.
What happens to the data on my phone?
Back up what you want, sign out of your accounts, factory reset the phone and remove the SIM and microSD cards before you hand it over. If the phone is too damaged to wipe, MobileMuster says all data is destroyed in the recycling process.
What about a swollen or damaged phone battery?
Do not drop it in a MobileMuster bin or post it, and do not try to remove a built-in battery. MobileMuster asks you to email mobilemuster@amta.org.au so it can arrange a safe solution, and the same goes for loose phone batteries. While a loose battery waits, cover its terminals with clear sticky tape, never metal or foil tape, and keep it out of metal containers.
What happens to a recycled phone?
It is broken down for its materials. MobileMuster says the process can recover more than 95% of the materials in a mobile phone.
This answer is the same in every state and territory, so there is one page for it. The answers that change at the state border are listed at where does it go.