Since the start of Bulgarian mobile phone operator Globul's green campaign in November 2008 – remember the cute tree-shaped flyers and the bike-riding lads and lasses in white? – local consumers have embraced the opportunity to recycle their mobile phones and accessories.

Globul said, in a February 26 2009 press release, that since the start of the initiative, people across Bulgaria had deposited 930kg of handsets, batteries and accessories in the 300 special collection bins in Globul and Germanos shops around the country. Company head marketing officer Dimitris Lioupis said that he expected the initial target of five kg of recyclable material per collection point per year to be surpassed.

Also at the press conference on February 26, Anatoly Georgiev, head sales manager at Germanos, said that the company was introducing an e-bill that was aimed at reducing paper use. By February 25, there had been 62kg of electronic waste transferred to Eltechresource, a licensed recycling company that is Globul's partner in the initiative.

These projects come as part of Globul's long-term Green Environment Protection Programme, which started in September 2008. The initial investment was 400 000 leva, and included measures and initiatives aimed at minimising the company's environmental footprint, while promoting the reuse and recycling of goods and raising public awareness. Globul said that it was the first telecommunications operator to develop and launch such initiatives in Bulgaria.

Come March 4 2009, the company will be launching its Green Invoice to reduce paper usage. Subscribers who chose to receive a Green Invoice will receive a two per cent discount on their monthly bill for either six or 12 months, depending on the remaining length of their contract. A similar E-Invoice Original is also available online.

In addition, Globul has joined with the WWF’s National Day of Natural Parks initiative, to be held on May 16. The day is to see thousands of volunteers cleaning and restoring tourist locations in Bulgaria’s 11 natural parks.