Communicate The Science of Recycling with the MobileMuster Schools Competition!
You don’t have to be an experienced artist to take part in MobileMuster’s Schools Competition – all you need is an idea, imagination and motivation.
The theme for 2023 is ‘Inspiring Recycling Action’.
It is important to link to the call to action (recycling your old phones) and this year’s theme when developing the storyline.
Students get to create either a drawing, photograph or short film (60 seconds) encouraging their community to recycle their old mobile phones. Students can create their artwork in any genre and style – the choice is theirs. Take a look at our amazing 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 winners and finalists for inspiration.
Cool Australia lesson plans help students to explore the topic of mobile phone recycling, learn about changing behaviours and develop their filmmaking skills.
Get involved!
Entry is open to all primary and secondary students in Australia – and yes, this includes homeschoolers and remote learners.
Important dates:
- 12 June 2023 – Schools Competition Opens
- 30 September 2023 – Schools Competition Closes
- 13-19 November 2023 – Winners announced and showcased during Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week
This year, MobileMuster is offering its biggest prize yet! There are 2 x $5,000 gift cards to be won, with 6x $1,000 runner-up prizes.
For judging criteria, entry guidelines and terms and conditions, check out the competition website. Take a look at our previous winners for inspiration. Good luck!
Education Resources
We have partnered with MobileMuster to create three units for Years 3-8, designed to support teachers and students in producing quality artwork for the competition.

MobileMuster Schools Competition Unit – Years 3-4

MobileMuster Schools Competition Unit – Years 5-6

MobileMuster Schools Competition Unit – Years 7-8
Enjoying the MobileMuster Resources?
We have another Unit for Primary Years 3 to 6, check it out!
Previous Winners
The theme for the 2022 competition was The Science of Recycling. Check out the winners here.
The theme for the 2021 competition was Protect the Planet. Check out the winners here.
The theme for the 2020 competition was Small Actions. Check out the winners here.
The theme for the 2019 competition was Use it or Recycle it. Check out the winners here.
With Thanks to Our Partner
MobileMuster is the product stewardship program of the mobile phone industry and is accredited by the federal government. It is voluntarily funded by all of the major handset manufacturers and network carriers to provide a free mobile phone recycling program in Australia to the highest environmental standard. The program is committed to raising awareness and educating the community on why it is important to recycle.
© 2023 MobileMuster and Cool Australia
Cool Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to land, water and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.