Why Recycle?

Facts:

• There are approximately 100 million unwanted mobiles in homes and offices in the UK.

• This is the equivalent of over 10,000 tons in weight.

• This represents an average of 2 to 3 unwanted phones per household.

• On average 15 million mobile phones go out of use each year in the UK, only 25% are recycled.

• 95% of new phones are replacements for existing phones.

• On average people tend to change their phones every 18 months.

Recycling offers 3 main benefits:

Fundraising

Every working phone will generate a £3 donation for your chosen good cause and we pay the postage. There is no cost to you.

Environment

Recycling will reduce the number that end up in landfill. Phones contain toxic chemicals and metals including arsenic, mercury, cadmium, copper, lead, beryllium, nickel and zinc. If the phone is dumped in landfill, dangerous substances may leak into the ground and water drainage system. Some councils incinerate instead of sending to landfill which releases toxic substances into the air.

Developing World

Phones are sent to developing countries, where the cost of new mobile phones are unaffordable for many people. These countries are dependant on mobile technology due to limited landline infrastructure.

What Happens To The Phones

The phones are checked to assess their condition and then follow one of two routes:

Reuse - Working phones and those that can be repaired. This is the most environmentally friendly and highest form of recycling, as it extends the life of the phone. The phones are sent to the developing world, where the cost of new mobile phones are unaffordable for many.

Dismantling - If the phone cannot be reused, it can be dismantled and some components are used to repair other phones. The remainder is then recycled for material content e.g. plastic and metals, which are then recycled back into productive use. Virtually the whole phone is recycled.

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