Since electronic devices have become an essential part of our daily lives, we replace them more frequently. Moreover, since many of these devices – such as computers and telephones – have become mobile, a whole market has arisen dedicated to functional accessories for their decoration and protection. According to Statista, 80.63% of the world’s population owns a smartphone. Most people have at least one phone case for their smartphone. To be honest, many of us have them in different colors and shapes. For those pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, therefore, it is important to learn how to properly dispose of these devices and all their gadgets.
Where are smartphones produced?
According to official reports, China supplies 95% of the rare earth materials used in smartphone production and holds 50% of rare earth materials in reserve. In comparison, India produces 2.5% of the global supply, while the United States has the second-largest reserve at 13%. This, of course, has political implications. Just imagine the power that can be wielded by controlling the production of a device now so essential to survival. However, having this kind of power has another side of the coin as well, which is responsibility. Microchip production issues in Taiwan due to Covid-19 have generated a chain reaction at a global level, regarding the production of cars; computers, and smartphones. But where do all these devices end up when we decide to replace them?
Disposal of electronic products
Africa has become a dumping ground for e-waste. With this term, we refer to used and discarded electrical and electronic items; including smartphones. Nowadays, e-waste disposal poses a great threat to health in developing countries. In many African countries, used electronic devices are often imported in bulk because they are highly demanded and cheaper than new ones. They are eventually thrown away with other solid waste in local landfills and broken down to extract precious metals by heating; burning; acid incubation, and other methods. These disposal procedures result in significant health hazards for workers and communities living close to the recycling sites. Toxic substances are harmful to individuals at any age, but children are more vulnerable to long-term consequences because they are going through important developmental processes. To reverse this trend, it is important to do our part with recycling. So why not start with our beloved smartphone?
Recycling your smartphone starts with the phone case
When looking for the perfect phone case, you need to pay attention to several factors, including protective features; usability; compatibility, and impact on the environment. A good start to go in a sustainable direction is to try and purchase phone cases made from sustainable; recycled, or recyclable materials. Among all, the phone case is the smartphone gadget that we most frequently replace. So why not consider giving it a brand new life? TerraCycle, a brand dedicated to “recycling everything”, has launched a project for plant-based phone cases; thanks to the collaboration with PopSockets. Through TerraCycle’s official website, you can simply ship your phone case and they will recycle it for you. Another option is to buy a cell phone with a built-in cover, which is generally also water and shock-resistant. You just need to choose which option fits you better, and you’re ready to go!
The amazing market of recycled smartphones
Giving a new life to your smartphone can mean several things, starting with the used market and ending with sustainable disposal. You can decide whether to resell, donate or trade in your smartphone through platforms such as et-mobile, swappie, and 0e-waste. But the options do not end here! Have you ever heard of refurbished smartphones? A phone in good, great or excellent conditions working as if you just purchased it! It is also possible to dispose of your cell phone in a sustainable manner at special recycling centers. This will ensure that the materials that make up your cell phone are properly processed. In many European countries, these centers are operated at the state and/or municipal level. Recycling your smartphone, then, not only is it possible, but it is also easy and extremely necessary.
