Sustainable World Recycling’s Smartphone Recycling Initiative Addresses E-Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):Smartphones have become essential for everyday life. With constant improvements and innovations in mobile phone technology, smartphones have become more powerful, functional, and the go-to for entertainment, communication, productivity, and more. But with newer and updated versions released every few months, people switch to newer versions every two years, resulting in millions of discarded phones daily, generating tons of e-waste. Without proper disposal and e-waste management, toxic materials such as lead and zinc can impact the planet and people's health. However, some companies, such as Sustainable World Recycling, offer a better option, recycling and repurposing smartphones and tablets for a better future.

It is estimated that nine out of 10 individuals have at least one mobile device. While the mobile sector has improved many people's lives and radically altered consumer routines, it still faces several challenges across the mobile lifecycle that must be addressed immediately. For instance, smartphone production requires approximately 60+ metal components. In addition, the environmental impact of older, discarded phones is often overlooked while new models are developed and introduced to the market. These discarded devices create tons of e-waste, and only 20% of e-waste gets recycled.

These toxic mental components can contaminate soil and water supplies if not disposed of properly, which can be hazardous to human health and the environment. Therefore, due to their potential toxicity, cell phones should be disposed of as hazardous waste, not as regular garbage. But with improving recycling technology and repurposing techniques, people can contribute by donating their unused phones to organizations like Sustainable World Recycling. These organizations recycle and repurpose phones to minimize environmental impact and support a greener planet. In addition, international bodies such as the UN and World Economic Forum recommend improving the lifecycle of smartphones and efficient recycling or repurposing smartphones and tablets as better ways to deal with the increasing e-waste problem.

There are several ways in which reusing and recycling smartphones may benefit the earth and its ecosystems. First, reusing or recycling cell phones can lessen the quantity of electronic trash sent to landfills, positively impacting the planet. Second, materials like gold, silver, copper, and plastic are mined to make smartphones. There will be less need for new mining and extraction if cell phones are repurposed and recycled. Third, producing cell phones uses a lot of energy and materials, which can lead to environmental pollution. Recycling and repurposing can reduce the demand for new cell phones and hence the carbon emissions related to their manufacture. Finally, repurposing smartphones can also assist in extending the life of the gadgets, keeping them out of landfills for longer. This can be accomplished by refurbishing and repairing devices or donating them to organizations that can repurpose them. For instance, Sustainable World Recycling is a US organization dedicated to reducing e-waste through innovative recycling and repurposing unused smartphones and tablets.

Overall, repurposing and recycling smartphones can help reduce the environmental impact of these devices and contribute to a more sustainable future. So those planning to discard their electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets should consider this habit's environmental impact. In addition, organizations such as Sustainable World Recycling recognize the harmful impact of electronic waste on the environment and are committed to promoting sustainability and responsible electronics disposal. For example, Sustainable World Recycling extracts valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper, which can be reused to manufacture new products. As a result, it helps conserve natural resources, lessens the need for more mining and extraction, and lessens the carbon emissions caused by making new gadgets. Furthermore, Sustainable World Recycling does more than recycle electronics; they also have a program to repurpose working cell phones and tablets. Rather than being thrown out, these electronics may be restored and given to nonprofits that can put them to good use, such as by giving access to technology to marginalized populations or bolstering educational initiatives.

Courtesy: www.einnews.com