New Zealanders have reached a major sustainability milestone, with one million mobile phones collected through RE:MOBILE, the country’s mobile phone recycling scheme running since 2014. The milestone comes during Recycling Week.
Operated by the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF), RE:MOBILE provides a free and convenient way to recycle unwanted mobile phones and accessories through a nationwide collection network supported by telecommunications providers, retailers and community organisations.
The milestone reflects more than a decade of industry and community collaboration, helping recover valuable materials, recycle unwanted devices responsibly and support environmental initiatives across Aotearoa.
The latest results show RE:MOBILE has diverted more than 174 tonnes of waste from landfill, diverted 376 tonnes of carbon, and donated nearly a quarter of a million dollars to Sustainable Coastlines since 2014.
TCF Chief Executive Paul Brislen said the milestone belongs to New Zealanders.
“One million phones is an extraordinary achievement, but what matters most is what sits behind that number. Every one of those phones represents somebody making a positive choice.
“Whether it was an old device sitting in a drawer, a phone replaced during the 3G transition, or a handset that had simply reached the end of its life, New Zealanders chose to do the right thing with it,” he said.
Amongst a growing global consumer focus on device trade-ins, RE:MOBILE’s collection footprint accelerated in recent years supported by greater public awareness of e-waste and responsible device disposal, including increased recycling activity associated with the technology change of the nationwide 3G shutdown completed earlier this year.
Through partnerships with 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, Noel Leeming, Resene and community collection locations nationwide, RE:MOBILE has built one of New Zealand’s largest dedicated mobile phone recycling networks.
Every phone collected is assessed for reuse, refurbishment or recycling, helping keep valuable materials in circulation and reducing environmental harm. Donations generated from collected devices support Sustainable Coastlines’ work protecting New Zealand’s waterways and coastlines.
RE:MOBILE’s logistics partner, SwapKit NZ, helps individuals and businesses responsibly dispose of old phones, iPads and other electronic devices. Working devices are prepared for reuse, while end-of-life devices are recycled to recover valuable resources. SwapKit NZ also provides secure data wiping and IT asset disposal services for businesses, helping organisations manage electronic equipment safely and responsibly. By keeping electronics out of landfill and recovering materials for reuse, SwapKit NZ helps reduce e-waste and supports a more circular economy in New Zealand.
While the milestone celebrates what has already been achieved, RE:MOBILE says the opportunity remains significant. Many New Zealanders still have old phones sitting unused in homes and workplaces.
Phones are accepted in any condition, and RE:MOBILE recommends removing personal data and resetting devices before drop-off. Drop-off locations and data guidance are available at remobile.org.nz.
“The one millionth phone is an important milestone,” Mr Brislen said. “But the next million starts today.”
Key stats
- 1,021,268 phones collected
- 174.5 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill
- 376 tonnes of carbon diverted
- $248,570 donated to Sustainable Coastlines
- Free drop-off or collection service
- 400+ locations nationwide
