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Cancer Research to benefit from Flybe mobile recycling

25th June 2009 Print
Another ‘Flybe first’ has been announced, as Europe’s largest regional airline signs up to a two year deal with Redeem Plc to encourage passengers to recycle their mobile phones by picking up a freepost envelope from its in-flight magazine, ‘Flybe Uncovered’, when on board.

The airline, which flies across 190 routes in 13 countries, is demonstrating its commitment to both its chosen charity, Cancer Research UK and the environment through the innovative scheme that offers all its customers the opportunity to recycle mobile phones and printer cartridges in exchange for valuable Flybe Reward Points.

The recycling programme allows customers to earn up to 15 Flybe Reward Points for each handset they turn in, which can then be exchanged for return flights or access to the airline’s Executive Lounges across Europe, as well as earning money for the airline’s partner charity Cancer Research UK.

In the UK alone it is estimated that there are around 90 million unused mobile phones thought to be abandoned in drawers and cupboards and every year 1,500 tonnes of mobile handsets containing hazardous substances such as cadmium, lead and beryllium end up in landfills. Across Europe this increases to over tens of thousands of tonnes of landfill waste that could easily be diverted if more people recycled.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer comments: “Flybe is delighted to be working with Redeem on yet another Flybe first. We expect our passengers to respond very positively to the opportunity to recycle their old phones and printer cartridges and help Cancer Research UK at the same time.”

Jamie Rae, chief executive of Redeem Plc commented: “We are very pleased to be working with Flybe to introduce the first mobile phone recycling programme undertaken by a commercial airline. Being able to earn Flybe Reward Points that can easily be converted to flights is an excellent incentive to encourage customers to recycle. It is an easy programme to get involved in and particularly as we head into summer with more people heading off on holiday, the timing of this programme is perfect.

“We welcome Flybe’s dedication to minimising its environmental impact and look forward to working together on this programme.”

For every phone and printer cartridge recycled, £1 will be given to Flybe’s charity partner Cancer Research UK to help it continue its life-saving work.

To find out how many Flybe Reward Points you will receive for your mobile phone visit flybe.com/recycle.