Mobile phone recycling since 2012
Caritas Hilfe in Not has been collecting and processing mobile phone donations from the Ö3-Wundertüte since 2009. Since 2012, magdas RECYCLING has been responsible for the Caritas mobile phone collection, helping eight people (re)enter the labour market.
Where old phones do wonders
A project for people and the environment
Every year, private individuals, schools, and companies from all over Austria donate their old mobile phones to do good. Since 2012, magdas RECYCLING has been responsible for the Caritas mobile phone collection, processing donations from the Ö3-Wundertüte. The old button phones and modern smartphones are technically inspected in Vienna-Floridsdorf. Around two-thirds of the devices can be reused, while the rest are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. The valuable raw materials are then used in the production of new devices. A truly wonderful thing, we believe!
FIGURES OF THE WUNDERTÜTE
How old mobile phones protect the environment
The Ö3-Wundertüten campaign was launched in 2005. Since then, around 7.5 million mobile phones have been collected. Depending on their condition, they are either recycled or refurbished for reuse. The profits have already helped thousands of families with children in urgent need. The environment also benefits, as recycling and refurbishing old mobile phones saves resources and helps protect the climate.
Around two-thirds of the mobile phones donated through the Wundertüte can be reused. Each reused mobile phone helps save valuable resources. By choosing a second-hand, refurbished mobile phone instead of a new one, you can save 92% energy, 76% water, and 93% CO2.
Every mobile phone contains valuable raw materials, such as gold, iron, cobalt, lithium, aluminium, copper, nickel, and chrome. By recycling mobile phones, these raw materials are reused, helping to conserve important resources. In 2022 alone, the Wundertüten campaign was able to save up to five kilograms of gold.
Since 2022, the Ö3-Wundertüte has been printed on 100% recycled paper bags. The premium recycled paper is made entirely from used paper, making it highly resource-efficient. By opting for paper and producing locally in Austria, we've been able to further reduce the carbon footprint of the entire project.
magdas RECYCLING
Social Business Story
Stories like that of the production manager at magdas RECYCLING show that sometimes all it takes is an opportunity. After his previous employer went bankrupt following a takeover, the experienced manager struggled to find a new job despite his high qualifications, extensive professional experience, and numerous applications. He eventually came to magdas RECYCLING through the AMS's ‘Aktion 20.000’ programme. For over five years now, he has successfully managed the team and production at magdas RECYCLING.
Making miracles possible
Wonderful partnerships
Since 2005, Hitradio Ö3 has been encouraging all of Austria to dig out old phones and smartphones from their drawers and drop them into the Wundertüte. The Austrian Post delivers a Wundertüte to every household, transporting nearly half a million old devices across the country each year. From the very beginning, this initiative has also served as a project for integrating people into the job market. Since 2012, we’ve been ensuring in Vienna-Floridsdorf that old phones truly work wonders: as resource-saving devices for reuse, as a source of valuable raw materials, and, of course, as the foundation for annual donations to families in need.