No recycling by Telkom

I am in Witbank clearing out a house and found a number on land line phones. I went to the Highveld Mall to return them to Telkom. Was informed by a lady Cynthia that they have been told not to accept any land line phones and I must throw them away. I am appalled that this is a large company such as Telkom's policy not to recycle. I suggest they take a serious look at this and would be very interested to know what they are doing to help our planet.