Chris Scott, who is an ambassador of the Cerebral Palsy League (CPL), launched the Aussie Recycling Program to mark International Day of People with a Disability.

The program collects and re-uses defunct mobile phones via BIG W stores throughout the country – raising up to three dollars per phone – which will be used by the CPL to provide vital services for thousands of Queenslanders with a disability.

“This is a win-win program where you can support people with a disability whilst also limiting environmental damage caused by the incorrect disposal of mobile phones,” said Ms Rosalie Cunningham, General Manager Marketing and Business Development of CPL.

“We applaud BIG W for getting behind this worthwhile cause and also thank our new ambassador Chris Scott for his involvement and support,” she said.

An estimated 10 million mobile phones remain unused in Australian households today, many of which would eventually find their way into garbage, according to the CPL.

“Based on an estimated three dollars per phone, there’s potentially up to $30 million going to waste in people’s homes,” said Ms Cunningham.

BIG W stores will have recycling satchels in their mobile phone departments within stores throughout Australia.

“Here at BIG W we’re really pleased to be working with the Cerebral Palsy League to not only recycle old mobile phones but also raise money to support people with disabilities all over the state,” said Ms Julia Coates, General Manager of BIG W.

International Day of People with Disability celebrates the achievements of people with disability and aims to create awareness of disability issues and the benefits gained by creating an inclusive society.

For the past 60 years, the CPL has provided specialist services and support to over 3,000 Queenslanders with a physical disability, such as cerebral palsy. CPL is supported through fundraising activities like the Aussie Recycling Program, as well as support from the community, Queensland corporate sector and State and Federal Government.