Merseyrail has teamed up with tech company ecoATM to give passengers the opportunity to turn in their used smartphones in return for a fast payment.

Kiosks have been installed at Southport, Ormskirk, Liverpool Central, Liverpool Lime Street Lower Level and Moorfields stations, providing a convenient and environmentally responsible way for customers to dispose of their old phones. There are also future plans to roll out more kiosks across the network.

Around 50 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) are produced around the world every year, but just 20 per cent of this is formally recycled. As one of the leaders in electronic waste reduction, ecoATM has helped to divert over 28 million devices from landfill and recycled 6.9 million lbs of e-waste over the last ten years.

Phones that are deposited with ecoATM are responsibly recycled or given new life, leaving passengers with peace of mind that they are doing their bit for the environment.

To receive their free quote for trading in their used smartphones, all passengers need to do is:

• Place their device into an ecoATM kiosk on the network. The machine then securely analyses the phone and offers an immediate price
• Accept the price and the ecoATM kiosk will take the device and in return for fast payment straight to the customer’s bank statement

Launched in the USA in 2009, ecoATM has expanded exponentially into Europe over the last three years, and now boasts kiosks in 26 cities across the UK.

Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with ecoATM to provide an environmentally responsible and convenient way for our passengers to recycle their old smart devices.

“This is just another part of our commitment to create a cleaner, greener Merseyrail that will assist in reducing emissions across the Liverpool City Region. We’re looking forward to working with ecoATM and hope our passengers enjoy this new service on our network.”

Added Jess O’Dwyer, Country Manager UK & Ireland at ecoATM: “In recent years, the issues associated with e-waste have risen significantly and it is now urgent that we examine how to increase the longevity of these products.

“This is why we’re delighted to be building a long-lasting partnership with Merseyrail that benefits passengers and helps both the Liverpool City Region and Merseyrail achieve their sustainability goals. Getting paid for doing good is a win-win for everyone.”