Joe Humphreys
Consumers have been urged to recycle old mobile phones instead of dumping them in order to avoid a "significant" toxic threat to the environment.
Fianna Fáil TD Mr John Cregan said an estimated 150,000 mobile phones were replaced over the Christmas period, each containing toxic substances which could be released into the air or water supply if disposed of inappropriately.
"Even if only a small proportion of the old mobiles are placed in bins and end up being burnt or on landfills, they would represent a significant environmental threat," said Mr Cregan, a member of the Dáil Select Committee on the Environment.
A number of local authorities have introduced recycle banks for mobile phones.
Mobile operator Vodafone has had a recycling campaign in place since May 2002.
Dublin-based company Environmental Mobile Control Ireland (www.emcireland.com) said it was also seeking old phones, primarily from firms with a high turnover of units. Under the scheme, phone sets are refurbished and put back into circulation in developing countries.