News

Over a year ago, in partnership with MobileMuster the official product stewardship program of the mobile phone industry, we introduced the capability to accept mobile phones, batteries and accessories in our black bags for collection.

However, there has been a change in the Australian Dangerous Goods Transport Code (ADG) regarding the carrying of lithium batteries. The ADG Code now requires lithium batteries to be packed separately if they are not within the handset, as well as a signed, senders declaration to be attached to the bag.

Our logistics provider has advised they will no longer collect our 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' bags if they contain mobile phones, batteries and accessories.

Consequently, Close the Loop will cease the collection of mobile phones, their batteries and accessories from all customers effective immediately.

Customers who have taken advantage of this joint service in the past, or who wish to recycle their mobile phones, batteries and chargers in the future, can still do this directly with MobileMuster for free by either:

1. posting them in using MobileMuster's reply paid mailing label
   (http://www.mobilemuster.com.au/recycle-a-mobile/post-them-in/) Please package the mobile phones, batteries and chargers in a box as per the packaging instructions on the website,
   or
2. registering as a permanent collection point with MobileMuster online at http://www.mobilemuster.com.au/workplaces/register-your-workplace/ or by calling 1300 730 070.
   
   You will be given free collection boxes, promotional materials and support, free pick up and recycling service as well as an annual report on collections processed.

Our service to provide the collection and recycling of used printer cartridges via our black bags remains unchanged. We only ask that you no longer place any mobile phones, their batteries or accessories into our bags. We also ask that you remove all MobileMuster stickers and recycle fliers, posters etc that you may have been provided by us.

Any mobile phones, batteries and accessories that your organisation may have sent to Close the Loop in the past bags (or that may be in your bag now) will be handled as per our previous arrangements with MobileMuster. You will still receive our Resource Recovery Certificate showing any mobile phones, batteries and accessories you may have sent us and diverted from landfill.

From July 1st, any mobile phones, batteries and accessories received from your organisation will trigger a reminder email communication to you.

Our collection boxes are now solely for the recycling of Printer Cartridges ONLY.

Our instructions for collection of printer cartridges remains the same:

• For a full bag collection visit
  http://www.closetheloop.com.au/services_book_pickup_online.php
• For more bags and ties visit
  http://www.closetheloop.com.au/services_order_bags_online.php

If you would like to recycle your old mobiles phones, batteries and accessories please contact MobileMuster via mobilemuster@amta.org.au or 1300 730 070 to access their free recycling service.

Please communicate this information to all of your staff and help us to continue to offer you a free and safe collection service.

Thank you once again for your commitment to helping the environment.
The Team at Close the Loop and 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark'