A MOBILE phone recycling scheme is being launched by Swindon Council.

People are being asked dig out their old mobile phones and take them to the recycling centre in Barnfield Road.

Alternatively, the Swindon Services department is giving away special envelopes so the mobile phones can be sent to be recycled. The packages can be obtained from libraries, community centres and council-run leisure centres throughout the borough.

Councillor Maureen Dilley (Covingham & Nythe, Lab), former lead member of Swindon Services, said: "With the amount of unused mobile phones in the borough, it is essential that we start the recycling process immediately and in the correct manner. "

Independent research indicates that around 92,400 mobile phones are lying unused in homes in Swindon. They are made up of precious metals and components which can be reused.

Within the overall weight of 17 tonnes, the phones comprise 13kg of silver and 2.8kg of gold. If disposed of incorrectly, they can result in pollution of the environment, especially groundwater.