By Since their invention in 1973, mobile phones have come a long way. Today, there are great developments and advancements that make it hard for you to stick to an old phone. Alongside new gadgets being launched year in year out, there is high competition amongst Telecom Businesses, where each is trying to outsmart the other with new mobile features.
But the question remains, what do you do with an old mobile phone?
It is not a wise decision to throw away an old phone. This is because the devices are made of different materials including harmful elements such as;
- Antimony.
- PVC.
- Bromine.
- Selenium.
- Chromium.
- Mercury.
- Barium.
- Lead.
- Cadmium.
- Arsenic among other harmful elements.
Therefore, when you throw away old mobile phones, these harmful elements can leak in their batteries hence, environmental pollution. The toxic chemicals pollute land, rivers and endanger human and aquatic life. For this reason, it is essential that you recycle them to save the environment.
Why is the recycling of mobiles essential?
A safer environment
While a mobile phone is a non-biodegradable product, it consists of toxic elements which end up in a lot of landfills. The screen of mobile phones is made of glass, and it is a product that cannot decompose naturally. With time, it darkens in colour, and it is wise to recycle it to prevent possible risks to human and animal health.
What’s more, throwing mobile phones gives a dirty look on the land.
Reduce the need for raw materials
The industrial process for creating new mobile phones requires a lot of raw materials. This can be greatly reduced through recycling. For example, a wide array of mobile accessories including protective casing and covers can be made from old ones.
During the recycling process, old mobile parts are also removed and reused to make low-cost devices. This means that the pollution caused by raw materials during production and transportation process is also reduced. As a result, environmental pollution is reduced because there is no emission of poisonous chemicals.
In addition, recycling helps to reduce pollution from wastes secreted by industries that process raw materials. Wastes are normally in gaseous, liquid, or solid form. In this light, it is necessary to recycle old gadgets or trade them.
Recycling of mobile phones through trade
One of the best ways to recycle your phones is by trading it. You will realize that there are people who are interested in old or second-hand devices for different reasons. Therefore, instead of throwing away an old phone, you can always trade in at a shop that deals with second-hand products. Recycling through trade also comes with its own benefits including;
- Easy recycling since they can be refurbished.
- They can be traded for new mobile phones.
- They can be given to people in need or to charity homes as opposed to throwing them.
Most importantly, all materials used in making mobile phones can be used to design new ones. This includes the;
- Plastics.
- Metals.
- Rechargeable batteries among others.
Metals from old or recycled mobile phones can be used in making electronics and jewellery, thus preventing environmental degradation. They can also be used in automotive engineering.
Plastics, on the other hand, can be recycled into new devices such as plastic packaging, cases, auto parts, and garden furniture.
Rechargeable batteries can be recycled to make new batteries.
By recycling such products, environmental pollution is prevented. What’s more, the cost of extracting and processing raw materials is greatly reduced. While thinking about the environment, you can also buy a new phone through trade-ins. Remember, recycling through different ways helps mobile production companies to reduce the use of hazardous materials.
Mining processes
Recycling of mobile phones also saves the environment by curbing mining processes. The devices are made of different natural resources and with increased production, the minerals are becoming scarce. Through recycling, such minerals can be preserved to ensure there is no air and water pollution. According to environmental experts, a large number of minerals can be preserved through recycling.
Energy conservation
Recycling of phones leads to the creation of a safe environment through energy conservation. This means that instead of exhausting water resources in the production of energy, mobile phones can be recycled to produce energy to power laptops and homes that do not need a lot of electricity.
Therefore, in a society that has seen almost everyone own a mobile phone, it is wise to embrace recycling of old gadgets. This goes a long way in enhancing environmental health and creating a safe habitat for all.
Where can I recycle my old mobile phone?
Recycling Old Phones
Firstly, does it work?
If your old mobile phone still works a great way to recycle it is to either sell or hand over your unwanted device to someone who needs it. Check with family or friends to see if it could be something they may be needing. Keeping the phone alive and usable is the best way to stop it from going into landfills.
Recycle with charity:
Recycling for charities is a great way to give back to the community, so why not do it with your old mobile phone? Charities such as Oxfam, offer a recycling scheme where you can either drop your old phone into a local Oxfam charity shop or earn money from trading in your unwanted device whilst donating at the same time.
In particular, Oxfam will attempt to fix your old device to sell on. This money will then be used to buy water tanks, wells, tools, seeds, school books – and loads more. If the phone is a dud they will be passed on to specialist recyclers.
By recycling your phone this way, at least you know it is going towards a good cause!
Sell your phone:
Many online companies offer the option of trading in your old phone in return of money. Companies like Swift Tech Buy offer an immediate quote and same day direct deposit and PayPal payments. The company are 100% environmentally friendly and dispose of unwanted electronics properly.
Recycling your phone can earn you money, reduce pollution, and even help to save lives in undeveloped countries. So what are you waiting for? Get recycling your old phones now!
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