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The UK's 37 million mobile phone users are sitting on a gold mine of unwanted or unused handsets that are believed to be worth £1.1 billion, according to research published this week.

As well as the materials in the 50-million-plus devices going to waste or adding volume to landfill sites, the mobile phones themselves could be used to help charities or developing nations, where handset cost is often cited as the biggest barrier to affordability, claims the MORI IPSOS findings.

Experts estimate that each of these unloved mobiles is worth more than £20 and, although they're no longer of value to the owner, they still have a high degree of value elsewhere.

"With a stockpile over 52 million handsets sitting redundant at home, there is an opportunity for all mobile phone

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owners to get their share of this £1 billion. The issue of mobile phone recycling has been discussed across the industry for several years - now is the time for people to realise that they can do their bit and raise money either for charity or themselves at the same time," said Devine Kofiloto, principal analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media.

Given that there is more than 340 million mobile phone users across Europe and 1.28 billion around the world - a figure that is gaining momentum year on year - and those in more mature markets like the UK replace their phones, on average, once every 18 months, something needs to be done to redress the balance.

In response to the devices gathering dust in people's homes and offices, T-Mobile - which commissioned the research - has launched a mobile phone recycling programme whereby users - from any network - can return their unwanted mobiles using a freepost bag. In return, T-Mobile will pay up to £80, either to the customer or donate the money to a charity of their choice.

"The great thing about this scheme is that you don't have to give something up to do something good," said Jim Hyde, T-Mobile UK's chief executive. "Anyone can put their old phone in our freepost bag and reduce waste and make money, either for charity or themselves, as part of the process."