New Zealanders diverted 71,627 unwanted mobile phones from landfill in the past year through RE:MOBILE, the telecommunications industry’s not-for-profit product stewardship scheme, according to the scheme’s newly released FY25 Annual Report.

Managed by the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF), RE:MOBILE enables mobile phones and accessories to be reused, refurbished or responsibly recycled — supporting a circular economy and reducing environmental harm.

Since the scheme began in 2014, 904,555 mobile phones have been collected nationwide, diverting more than 164 tonnes of waste and preventing an estimated 355 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

“Every phone collected through RE:MOBILE is one less device ending up in landfill,” says TCF Chief Executive Paul Brislen. “Instead, valuable materials are recovered, working phones are given a second life, and potentially harmful components like lithium-ion batteries are handled safely.”

Phones that cannot be reused are recycled in line with New Zealand standards. Where possible, donated phones are refurbished and resold into secondary markets, or donated to organisations supporting vulnerable consumers — extending device lifespans and reducing demand for new manufacturing.

All proceeds generated through the scheme are donated to RE:MOBILE’s charitable beneficiary, Sustainable Coastlines, supporting environmental protection and litter reduction across Aotearoa. In FY25 alone, $10,478 was donated, bringing total contributions to $242,091 since the partnership began.

RE:MOBILE is supported by New Zealand’s mobile network operators — 2degrees, One NZ and Spark — alongside nationwide partners including Noel Leeming and Resene ColorShops. There are now more than 400 collection points across New Zealand, including retail stores and community locations such as libraries, schools and civic centres.

With the three mobile network operators already underway (2degrees) and close to closing (One NZ and Spark) their 3G mobile networks, it’s more important than ever that Kiwis do the right thing and recycle their old phones.

“As New Zealand transitions away from 3G, many older phones will no longer work,” says Brislen. “RE:MOBILE provides a trusted, industry-wide solution to safely dispose of those devices — benefiting both consumers and the environment.”

“It’s a great time to clear out drawers and cupboards and dig out old phones,” Brislen says. “Recycling is free — simply drop devices at your nearest RE:MOBILE collection point or book a free collection through the RE:MOBILE website.”

The FY25 Annual Report also highlights continued growth in buy-back and trade-in programmes, reflecting increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and the value of extending the life of mobile devices.

“The rise in trade-ins shows New Zealanders want practical, responsible ways to manage old technology,” says Brislen. “These programmes also increase the availability of refurbished devices, some of which can be donated to community organisations to help vulnerable consumers access digital services.”

The full RE:MOBILE FY25 Annual Report is available at www.remobile.org.nz.

Recycling old devices

If you are replacing your mobile phone — particularly as part of the 3G shutdown — make sure you recycle your old device through New Zealand’s RE:MOBILE mobile phone recycling programme.

Phones can be dropped off at over 400 locations nationwide, including Noel Leeming and Resene ColorShops, as well as all 2degrees, One NZ and Spark retail stores (regardless of your provider). You can also book a free collection pick-up through the RE:MOBILE website.

For more information about mobile phone recycling, visit www.remobile.org.nz.

For more information about the 3g shutdown, visit www.3Gshutdown.co.nz or contact your mobile provider for assistance with the transition.

About the TCF

The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF) was established in 2002 and plays a vital role in the telecommunications industry by collaboratively developing key industry standards and codes of practice that underpin New Zealand’s digital economy.

TCF members include: 2degrees, AWACS, Chorus, Connexa, Devoli, Enable Networks, FortySouth, Kordia, Lightwire, Mercury, Northpower Fibre, NOW, One NZ, Spark, Symbio Networks, Tuatahi First Fibre, Vector Fibre. WISPA-NZ, representing 28 Wireless Internet Service Providers, and Hourua Limited are also Associate Members.

For more information, visit www.tcf.org.nz

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