Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 21 April 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 April 2008. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 30 April 2008 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Mobile Phones

Question: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission if the Commission will make it their policy to introduce mobile phone recycling on the Parliamentary Estate.

Answer: Arrangements for the secure disposal of mobile phones provided for use by House staff are in place. This does not currently cover their recycling. The House authorities will review these arrangements with particular reference to the recent waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations and the responsibilities that suppliers now have. No arrangements are currently in place for phones belonging to Members and their staff but the aforementioned regulations will apply.The House already seeks to maximise re-use and recycling generally as a commitment in its waste policy. There are already facilities available for recycling batteries, including those used in mobile phones.

Secondary information