Taiwan launches nationwide mobile phone recycling month

Taiwan is conducting its annual mobile phone recycling month throughout October. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Environment's Resource Circulation Administration, aims to encourage the proper disposal of old mobile devices to recover valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper while preventing environmental hazards from lithium batteries.

Participants can recycle devices at approximately 2,700 locations nationwide, including brand stores (Apple, Samsung, Asus, Sony, Xiaomi, Vivo), telecommunications providers (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone), and various retail outlets. To incentivize participation, the program offers various prizes, including an iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and Samsung Galaxy S26.

Many participating retailers are providing additional rewards, such as coffee, shopping vouchers, or brand gifts. For example, Sony offers coffee and lucky draws, Asus provides store credit, and Chunghwa Telecom awards Hami Points. Local governments, such as the Chiayi City Environmental Protection Bureau, are also running specific campaigns, including collaborations with convenience stores like FamilyMart to offer shopping credits and high-value electronics prizes.