What do you do with your old phone when you have a new one? Don’t be alarmed but a United Nations report shows that only 17.4% of electronic waste is disposed of properly and recycled. Most old phones and SIM cards end up at the bottom of a cupboard or worse: in the bin. That’s a shame, because it’s full of valuable raw materials. Here you’ll find tips on how to easily recycle your phone.
Reduce your footprint
Your old phone is full of valuable resources such as gold, silver, copper and platinum, even if your phone is damaged. By recycling old mobile devices, it is possible to reuse these precious materials. This reduces the need for mining activities and together we reduce our ecological footprint.
Sim cards are small, but like phones, they have a huge impact on the environment. Harvard research shows that the chip industry is incredibly polluting due to the intensive manufacturing process. By recycling the SIM card after depreciation, you take a step in the sustainable direction.
5 tips to efficiently recycle
- Make use of disposal programmes – Many phone providers offer an option to hand in your old phone and SIM card. They will then ensure that the devices are recycled in an environmentally friendly way;
- Delete personal data – Recycling your phone is wonderful, but before turning it in, delete your personal data. Back up important files, photos and contacts and then perform a factory reset;
- Remove the battery – If possible, remove the battery from the phone. The battery contains materials that should be recycled separately from the device;
- E-waste collection days – Keep an eye on local events and e-waste collection days. Here you can easily hand in your old phone and SIM card so that it can be sustainably reused;
- Use recycling points – Many cities have special recycling points where you can drop off electronic waste. These facilities ensure that phones and SIM cards are processed correctly. You can find these points at the larger supermarkets, in DIY stores or at the waste disposal site.
Of course, it is even better to use your phone for as long as possible. If there is something wrong with it, go to the phone shop or a repair shop and see how you can extend the life of your phone. Use a screen protector and a sturdy case and make sure you do regular software updates so you can enjoy an effective phone for as long as possible.
