3G Handset Recycling for 3

8th June , 2004

Above shows a 3 Store in central London

US : 3, the UK's first video mobile network, today announced that in partnership with Fonebak it has launched a handset recycling scheme. Through this initiative 3 is aiming to raise £40,000 this year for two charities through the recycling of old and unwanted mobiles.

The two charities to benefit from the initiative are Brainwave, a leading charity for children with special needs and Groundwork, a world-class environmental regeneration charity. These two charities were selected by 3 following an internal staff vote.

Under the scheme, which launches today, 3 is inviting members of the public to deposit their old mobiles into the Fonebak recycling boxes. These pillar and counter top boxes are located in all 160 3 stores around the UK including flagship shops and 3Points in Superdrug.

Each handset left at a deposit point goes to the Fonebak recycling centre, once there it will be assessed for suitability for reuse and if that is not possible it will be recycled.

If a handset is recycled through Fonebak's award winning recycling scheme, it is dismantled, the batteries go to a specialist battery recycler, metals are extracted and used again, the plastics are either recycled and reused, or incinerated, with the energy produced used for heating.

Gareth Jones, COO 3 UK said: "3 is shaking up the UK mobile market, our range of video mobiles and great value price plans are seeing ever greater numbers of customers joining our network. A by-product of this success is increased numbers of used handsets being handed in by our customers, by joining the Fonebak handset recycling scheme 3 ensures that we can take your old phone, recycle it and the proceeds go to help 3's chosen charities. Fonebak is the leader in the field of handset recycling and we're very excited that the proceeds from this scheme will also be benefiting 3's chosen charities Brainwave and Groundwork."

Kathy Woodward, Managing Director of Fonebak said: "We are very pleased that 3 has joined the Fonebak scheme as this will bring positive benefits to not only the environment but also to 3's chosen charities Brainwave and Groundwork."

"We are delighted that 3 has selected Brainwave to benefit financially from the Company's mobile handset recycling scheme," said David Davies of Brainwave. "The Charity relies on corporate support to fund its therapy services to brain injured children and their families throughout the UK. With Brainwave's branding on the recycling boxes, the promotion should also raise the Charity's profile and lead to more children receiving help."

"We are very pleased that 3 is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously by initiating this recycling scheme and also pleased that the proceeds will go towards improving the quality of life in some of the country's most deprived communities," said Graham Duxbury, Public Relations Manager for Groundwork. "We value the commitment and support we receive from the private sector and recognise the importance of corporate social responsibility to delivering sustainable development."

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