Have you ever wondered what happens to your old smartphone when it stops working? Many people choose to leave it in a drawer or throw it away, without being aware of the environmental impact and the wasted resources that this decision entails. Recycle mobile phones It is one of the most responsible actions we can take in the digital age, not only for the planet, but for society as a whole.
Why is it essential to recycle your smartphone?
Mobile phone recycling goes far beyond a simple question of space at home.. Every phone we make requires a huge amount of natural resources, energy and labor. Improper disposal of electronic devices releases toxic substances and heavy metals with high polluting potential into nature. that can seriously damage the soil, water and air.
According to updated data, there are more active phones than people in many countries, and the average lifespan of these devices is less than three years. This means that millions of cell phones end up being discarded every year, and the vast majority are not recycled properly, increasing so-called "e-waste."
Almost 90-97% of the components of a smartphone can be recovered and reused.. Inside there are valuable metals and minerals: gold, silver, copper, palladium and, especially, rare minerals and rare earths essential for modern technology (indium, cobalt, lithium, tantalum, platinum, palladium, among others). Obtaining these materials often involves the destruction of natural habitats and, in many cases, labor exploitation in developing countries.
Therefore, Recycling your mobile phone contributes to:
- Conserve natural resources reusing valuable materials and reducing the extraction of new raw materials.
- Reduce pollution preventing heavy metals and toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and chromium from reaching ecosystems.
- Reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption derived from the manufacture of new devices.
- Preventing the depletion of critical minerals whose extraction has serious social and environmental implications.
- Promoting the circular economy and reusability, allowing devices to have a second life as refurbished.
Minerals and critical components: What's inside your smartphone?
The interior of a mobile phone hides an impressive array of metals and other critical materials. It is estimated that from approximately 50.000 units, kilograms of gold and silver and hundreds of kilograms of copper, in addition to other rare metals, can be extracted. Among the most significant:
- On the screen: Indium, silicon, lanthanum, terbium, praseodymium, europium, dysprosium, gadolinium, and mercury. Some are part of the 17 elements known as "rare earths," responsible for light and color.
- Battery: Lithium, cobalt, carbon, aluminum, and oxygen. Lithium batteries are especially dangerous if not recycled properly, as a single one can contaminate up to 60.000 liters of water.
- Housing and exterior: nickel, aluminum and, in more affordable models, low-quality plastics.
- Electronic components and circuits: Gold, tin (used for soldering), coltan (in capacitors), silicon, platinum and palladium, copper, antimony, niobium, and even arsenic for electromagnetic signals. Many of these materials are considered "blood minerals" because they are associated with armed conflict and child exploitation during their extraction.
- Other elements: iron, boron, neodymium, tungsten (vibration), praseodymium and dysprosium in speakers and microphones.
The enormous variety of materials and the complexity of separating them are the reasons why mobile phone recycling must be carried out by specialists., ensuring adequate and safe treatment.
Environmental and social impact of improper mobile recycling
Disposing of a mobile phone in the common trash poses a serious ecological and health risk.When cell phones end up in landfills, their toxic components can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, harming flora, fauna, and ultimately human health.
Poor management of the electronic waste (WEEE) Worldwide, it is associated with greenhouse gas emissions, crop contamination, and even the poisoning of communities near illegal e-waste dumps. Heavy metals present in the devices can cause neurological damage, respiratory problems, kidney, liver and bone damage., in addition to being linked to cancer and other serious disorders.
In countries where these wastes are illegally processed, women and children often work in unsanitary conditions to extract precious metals, suffering devastating health consequences.
The mobile phone recycling process: phases and technologies used
El professional recycling of mobile phones It consists of several specialized stages, designed to maximize material recovery and reduce pollution:
- Reception and diagnosis: It is assessed whether the device can be reconditioned (repaired), reused or recycled.
- Battery removal and sorting: The batteries are immediately separated. They must be classified according to their chemistry: lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydride.
- Manual disassembly: Professionals disassemble the phone, separating reusable parts and hazardous components with the goal of decontaminating them.
- Trituration: Devices that cannot be repaired are crushed into small fragments.
- Physical and chemical separation: Techniques such as magnets to extract ferrous metals, hydrometallurgical processes (acid baths) to separate non-ferrous metals, and flotation to differentiate plastics, papers, and other light materials are used.
- Recycling and purification: Each type of material is processed to meet the purity standards required for reuse in the manufacture of new products.
Thanks to this process, Most of the materials in a mobile phone can be reincorporated into the production cycle, reducing the demand for virgin resources and the environmental impact of the technology industry.
Advantages of recycling your mobile phone
- Conservation of natural resources: Using recycled materials avoids mining, which is destructive to ecosystems and consumes a lot of energy.
- Less pollution and emissions: It prevents hazardous substances from being released into the environment and reduces CO₂ emissions from the manufacture of new components.
- Energy saving: Recycling requires less energy than the process of extracting and processing virgin raw materials.
- Fight against planned obsolescence and waste: Refurbishing devices extends their useful life and reduces the amount of electronic waste generated.
- Responsible management of electronic waste: It allows for proper treatment of hazardous substances, avoiding risks to health and ecosystems.
- Possibility of reuse and reconditioning: Many cell phones can be repaired or sold as secondhand, offering more economical and sustainable options for consumers.
Where and how to properly recycle your old mobile phone
The easiest and safest way to recycle your smartphone is to take it to a recycling center. or to a specialized center in collection of electronic waste (WEEE)You can locate fixed, mini, or mobile recycling centers in your city and take any electronic devices you no longer use there.
Also, many electronics stores accept old devices. when purchasing a new one (and in some cases, even without a purchase), and are required to accept small appliances for recycling according to current regulations.
In addition to the clean points, you have other alternatives:
- NGOs and solidarity recycling programs: Organizations such as Intermón Oxfam and various foundations use donated devices to raise funds or provide technology to groups in need. Some NGOs collect mobile phones from homes and collaborate with specialized companies to ensure responsible recycling.
- Second-hand businesses and shops: Platforms like Zonzoo, Movilbak, and specialty stores allow you to sell used phones, with those that can't be repaired being recycled directly.
- Manufacturer and operator programs: Some brands and operators carry out collection campaigns and recycle devices, sometimes rewarding users with incentives such as discounts or tree planting for each recycled phone.
Tips before recycling your mobile phone
- Delete all your personal information Before handing in your device: Reset to factory settings and remove SIM or SD cards.
- Check the option to repair or recondition the device before disposing of it, especially if it only has minor faults.
- Avoid depositing mobile phones in conventional containers (yellow, green, grey): must always go to authorized points.
Alternative and creative options to give your phone a second life
- Use it as external memory for storing files, photos or videos.
- Turn it into a console or media player For the smallest of the house.
- Surveillance camera, baby monitor or home automation device with the right applications.
- Emergency phone, GPS or music player to leave in the car or for outdoor activities.
The role of the circular economy and refurbished mobile phones
Buying and selling refurbished mobile phones is key to the circular economy. A refurbished mobile phone is one that, after being professionally inspected and repaired, returns to the market in optimal condition and with a warranty. This allows for:
- Make the most of resources already extracted from the planet.
- Extend the life of your devices, avoiding compulsive buying and unnecessary technological waste.
- Offer more affordable prices to consumers compared to brand new devices.
- Reduce demand for new mineral extraction and pollution from manufacturing.
Every action we take counts, and Why recycle your smartphoneRefurbishing it, or selling it for reuse means taking a real step toward a cleaner, more sustainable planet. If you also choose brands that are committed to sustainability and repair your devices whenever possible, you'll be making an essential contribution to the fight against pollution and climate change.