Telstra – eCycle Program: Takeback, Reuse, Refurb & Recycling 

Telstra is the largest provider of telecommunications and connectivity solutions in Australia, connecting over 24.2 million retail mobile customers (As of 30 June 2024) alone, with a network spanning over 2.88 million square kilometres of land. 

Telstra is committed to taking action to help address some of the biggest sustainability challenges facing the industries and the communities in which they operate.  

Australia is facing a growing e-waste problem. Each year Australians generate around 20 kg per person, one of the highest per capita e-waste levels in the world. This is on track to grow to almost 22 kg per person by 2030. In response, they are committed to offering consumers and businesses access to takeback, reuse, refurbishment and recycling programs.  

In FY24, Telsra increased their device target to reuse or recycle 650,000 mobile phones, modems and other devices each financial year to FY25. Their previous target was 500,000 devices a year. They met this increased target in FY24, reusing or recycling 710,341 mobile phones, modems and other devices. They have achieved this by offering via the Telstra eCycle program which includes: 

• Trade-in and upgrade programs for old or out-of-contract devices;  

• Offering a Repurpose & Replace program for refurbishment and reuse. They utilise this stock as customer replacement devices for warranty returns;  

• Continuing to offer their customers device recycling services via their ~280 retail stores and a free e-parcel service to recycle devices and accessories including through direct collection by their Communications Technicians; 

• Offering bespoke ICT technology take back and reuse or recycling programs to businesses. 

Telstra is helping to build consumer confidence in recycling initiatives by trialling and sharing how they make modems from plastics which are partially sourced from end-of-life modems, working towards closing the plastics materials loop.  

Offering next-life options for devices is just one part of Telstra’s ambition to embed circular economy principles across their business and offer more sustainable solutions for customers.