Recycling old phones

As Monash University upgrades its 13,500 phones to a new Voice Over IP system by the end of 2010, ITS have been devising a way to appropriately dispose of the old phones. To help with this task ITS have engaged PGM refiners who specialise in processing electronic waste.

Using compaction and separation technologies PGM will separate the phones into its larger components;

      -         plastic housing

-         copper wiring and scrap steel

-         circuit boards

Each of these components will then be further recycled for reuse in items ranging from new computers to plastic pellets that are used by the automotive industry.

PGM’s refining process typically has a 95-98% recovery rate depending on the product being recycled. With Monash disposing of over 10 tonnes of phones in the next 18 months we can be sure our actions are having minimal impact of the environment around us.

For further information visit PGM