The school recycled an average of 177 grams of old and broken mobile phones, chargers and accessories per student during the February to June challenge period.

St Patrick’s was one of 240 schools across Australia registered to compete in the challenge.

The phones and accessories collected by students during this period resulted in almost 500 native trees being made available for Landcare Australia through MobileMuster’s ‘Old Phones More Trees’ program.

MobileMuster recycling manager Rose Read said the trees will be planted to help protect some of the Nation’s most endangered species and contribute to rehabilitating two of Australia’s agricultural heartlands - the Murray River and Western Australia’s central-eastern wheatbelt.

“St Patrick’s Primary School and the Walcha community have put in a tremendous effort this year. The 7kg of phones and accessories collected by St Patrick’s 42 students will work towards restoring native vegetation, protecting endangered species; and helping to improve the sustainability of two of the Nation’s key food growing areas,” Ms Read said.

St Patrick’s Primary School will also be rewarded with native seedlings and a gift voucher from Officeworks to the combined value of $750.

The next round of the 2010 MobileMuster Schools Recycling Challenge has already commenced and more than 500 schools have already signed up to compete for the top title. Prizes will be awarded for collections in the second half of the year, and for overall collection efforts throughout 2010.