Wireless telecom gadgets like smartphones and tablets are, nowadays, a vital part of our social lives. At the same time, we also realize that such products become outdated and obsolete very quickly. So what you should do with the old devices, after replacing them with new ones. Would you just throw them into the drawers, cupboards, garages and forget them subsequently. Or, you would make a use of them to buy a new, updated device.
Keep in mind that money is not the only reason why it is advised to sell the old phone to a mobile recycling company. There are motives that persuaded me to sell my mobile phone for a relatively good cause. These reasons are:
Recycling the Materials
A mobile phone or tablet PC is made of different materials like plastic, metals and ceramics. In specialized facilities, these ingredients can easily be recovered from old phones. They are then used not only to manufacture new phones, but a range of products from stainless steel to plastic fence posts. A study shows that recycling 50,000 handsets can remove the need to mine 213 tons of silver bearing ore, 110 tons of gold ore and 11 tons of copper sulphide ore. These are really substantial figures that you must consider.
Environment Impacts
Like every other type of manufacturing, the production of mobile phones pose many hazards that can harm the environment. Tech companies can efficiently repossess the materials from old smartphones and use them in the new ones. This reduces and simplifies their overall production process, leading to lower emissions of harmful waste. Experts are of the view that every ton of mobile phone materials recovered can reduce up to 10 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, discarded mobile phones can be hazardous to the environment, as some chemicals found in these phones leach from landfills to ground water system. An environment advocacy group claims that there are some toxic phthalates on iPhone cables that is obviously not safe.
Regional Distribution
It is not just necessary that an old phone must be broken down to extract the copper, silver, plastic and other materials. The phones can even be recycled without crushing them. Many mobile recycling companies around the world collect obsolete phones and ship them to regions where they still have greater value. For instance, many developing countries in Africa import phones from America, Europe and Australia to sell them locally at very low prices.
Other Economics of Mobile Recycling
Apart from the environmental impacts, there are some other economics of mobile phone recycling. This has become a globally understood concept that can be a source of employment and academic research. The mobile recycling business is generally anticipated to grow over time and generate employment opportunities. On the other hand, old technologies can be of great use to school and college students for the purpose of research and development.
There could be dozens of other benefits of mobile phone recycling. However, these are quite enough to educate you why it is important in the present day environment.