It was estimated that after last Christmas nearly 750,000 mobile phones were thrown away in the UK alone. Only one in 25 handsets is currently recycled - that's just 600,000 of the 15 million replaced annually.

But why waste them when they can be re-vamped and sent abroad to less affluent countries. So dig out your old phone (or phones!) and chargers and give them a new life. Just make sure you remove the sim card and delete the phone's memory first.

The Body Shop will donate £2.75 to Refuge for their work providing shelter and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Just pick up a blue envelope in their shops. It doesn't cost you a penny as it's freepost.

Orange will also recycle phones, accessories and chargers - just pop in an envelope marked "Freepost Orange Recycle". If your phone is reusable then Orange will donate £5 to children's charities. If not the parts will be re-used or disposed of safely.

Crisis, who organise a fantastic range of services and shelter for homeless people over Christmas, also collect unwanted mobiles. Each phone is worth £5 to Crisis. Freepost envelopes are available from Sainsbury's or email jo.cashman@crisis.org.uk

Go on reclaim the space in your home this March and feel lighter by donating your unwanted mobile.

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