20:20 Mobile seals Starlink deal in Qatar

by Stuart Wilson, Thursday 29 July 2010

20:20 Mobile has struck a deal with Qatar-based Starlink

European mobile phone distributor 20:20 Mobile has struck a deal with Qatar-based Starlink. Under the terms of the agreement, 20:20 Mobile will provide services for Starlink’s new in-store mobile phone recycling service.

The recycling scheme, which will be launched in Starlink’s Qatar stores, will offer customers the chance to trade in out-of-use handsets for a new device. 20:20 Mobile will process the out-of-use mobiles via its waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) approved recycling facility, in a manner consistent with EU legislation.

Rob Kerry, supply chain director for Starlink, said: “Care of the environment is one of the five pillars of our comprehensive corporate social responsibility strategy and with our new recycling programme we believe we are making a worthwhile contribution to the health and well-being of future generations."

“We want to be at the forefront of corporate environmental leadership in Qatar and 20:20 Mobile’s knowledge and expertise in handset recycling will ensure we give customers a responsible and ethical way to trade-in their mobile phones, helping us to achieve this goal,” added Kerry.

James Browning, managing director at 20:20 Mobile, added: “Starlink’s new mobile phone recycling programme is a ‘green’ step forward for the company. The scheme is further evidence of how 20:20’s recycling service is helping retailers and network operators to add value to their customers’ propositions as well as acquire and retain clients.”

All Starlink Stores throughout Qatar will offer an in-store recycling service to their customers, with recycled handsets being returned to 20:20 Mobile’s WEEE approved treatment facility.