Norwegian sports clubs earn NOK 6 million from environmental initiative

“We’re very impressed that the sports clubs have managed to collect more than 170,000 used mobiles in less than six months. This is good news for local sports clubs and not the least for the environment,” says Berit Svendsen, President and CEO of Telenor Norway.

Telenor pays the sports clubs NOK 35 for each mobile phone they hand in.

“This has been a rewarding effort for the sports clubs. Not only because of the substantial earnings for the club, but also because of the clear environmental profile. We’ve received very positive feedback from the sports clubs,” says Børre Rognlien, President of the Norwegian Olympics and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sport (NIF).

Urban mining at its best

Erik Solheim, Minister of the Environment and International Development in Norway, participated in the launch of the collaboration between Telenor and NIF. Solheim has been active in promoting the importance of increasing the degree of recycling in Norway.

“We derive great joy from our mobile phones, but it is important that our old mobiles don’t end up collecting dust in a drawer. There is a shortage of metals and minerals in the world and the smartest form of mining we can participate in, is to dig out old electronics from drawers and cupboards. Besides, mobile phones contain hazardous toxins that must be treated in the proper manner when phones become waste,” says Solheim.

More than 90 % of old mobile phones can be used in new production. Many used phones can also be put into use again. In Norway around 2 million new phones are bought per year, yet only a fraction of the old ones have been returned for reuse and recycling.

New sign-up in January

“Surveys we’ve conducted reveal that Norwegians do want to recycle, but many feel that it is not so accessible. For us it has been a rewarding experience to work with the sports clubs. A barrier has been broken by knocking on doors and facilitating recycling on the spot. We’d like to see this trend continue and will therefore be starting a new round in 2012,” says Berit Svendsen of Telenor.

Sports clubs can apply to participate in round two of “old phone, new life” from 17 January 2012.

“When we first opened up for sign up, the 500 spots available were grabbed within 2 hours. With the positive results this year, we’re confident interest will be just as great in January,” says Rognlien of NIF.

The used phones that are collected are either recycled or reused in new markets where access to telecommunication can help create new opportunities.