Recycling your mobile handset
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Recycling your mobile handset
Practically everyone in the UK has a mobile phone these days and there’s a seemingly constant stream of new ones tempting you to upgrade to the very latest gadget and advances in technology. So what happens to all those poor old defunct mobiles that nobody wants?
The sad truth is, most of them are hiding in drawers and boxes, or gathering dust somewhere in people’s homes. At present, fewer than 20% of mobiles in the UK are recycled and it’s high time we did something to change this. uSwitch.com tells you why.
Where do all the recycled mobiles go?
Some will be reconditioned for worldwide resale; others will have their parts recycled for use in other phones or other electrical equipment.
- Metal can be recovered and reused
- Chips and circuit boards can be reused in other electronic equipment
- All SIM cards are removed and destroyed to ensure data security
As much of the phone as possible will be reused in some form or another and any bits that are of no use will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Why recycle?
Mobile phones contain numerous toxic substances that, whilst they pose no threat to us when we’re using them, are harmful if they are not disposed of correctly.
If they’re thrown into landfill with non-recyclable rubbish they get crushed and toxic substances can easily leak into the land and the water table. Not only will this have a serious effect on wildlife, it can also make its way back to us via the food chain.
If they end up in a waste plant for incineration, toxic substances can be released into the atmosphere.
Recycling your phone ensures this simply doesn’t happen.
Help a good cause
Recycling old mobiles can also raise funds for charities so if you have an old handset you no longer need, do your bit by recycling!
Where can I recycle?
There are many places where you can recycle your phone, some retailers offer recycling facilities and there are plenty of places to be found on the internet, so there’s really no excuse. Here’re a few places you can go:
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