Japanese government to collect used mobile phones in lottery campaign

November 11, 2009
By Ken Worsley


Earlier today, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced that it plans to kickoff a campaign to collect used mobile phones from November 21. During the campaign, which is scheduled to last until February of next year, consumers will be able to turn in their used mobile handsets at about 1,800 locations, including shops run by Kojima, Bic Camera and Ito-Yokado.

When turning in their used handset, customers will receive a ticket allowing them to apply online for a chance to win a gift voucher. The government plans to give out 800 vouchers worth 50,000 yen, 8,000 vouchers valued at 5,000 yen, and 150,000 gift vouchers worth 1,000 yen.

Of course, the government is after the rare metals that lurk inside many unused handsets. Since I have a few unused handsets lying around, I wonder how much they’re actually worth in precious metals. I doubt it’s worth 50,000 yen, but what would be the odds of winning one of those 800 50,000 yen vouchers?

Comments

2 Responses to “Japanese government to collect used mobile phones in lottery campaign”

  1. Laura on March 8th, 2010 6:51 am

    The results are in: 22kg of gold and 79kg of silver
    http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T100305006920.htm

    Probably quite a bit less than METI was hoping to garner…

  2. Raylei on March 16th, 2010 2:09 pm

    That’s indeed a disappointing result.

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