Phone upgrade offers continue to decrease, and we’re holding on to our phones longer than we used to. But every time we end up upgrading to the next big phone, we end up throwing away a ton of old phones, according to the United Nations’ Global Electronic Waste Monitoring Report released earlier this year. .
Additionally, it is recycled almost five times faster than comparable materials are recycled.
According to a United Nations report, e-waste generation increased from 34 billion kilograms (about 75 billion pounds) to 62 billion kilograms (about 137 billion pounds) between 2010 and 2022. More importantly, the report estimates that this 62 billion kilograms of e-waste would fill 1.55 million trucks, forming a line that would circle the Earth’s equator.
Meanwhile, the amount of e-waste recorded as recycled increased from 8 billion kilograms to just 13.8 billion kilograms over the same period.
The United Nations’ International Telecommunications Union has set a goal for 50% of the world’s countries (97 countries) to have e-waste policies, laws, or regulations in place by 2023. However, the report shows that this effort is slowing down, with only 81 countries. or 42% have done something to address e-waste. There are factors that prevent accurate data. Systems for documenting and reporting electronics recycling vary widely from country to country.
Here’s what you can do to take care of your old electronics.
Look at this: How to recycle old mobile phones and electronic devices
How to recycle electronics
There are many free and easy ways to recycle electronics, so you don’t have to throw away your old cell phones, batteries, computers, and other equipment. You can mail it, drop it off at a recycling center, or drop it off at a big box store like Best Buy or Home. depots, and sometimes even product manufacturers.
For example, if you live near an Apple Store, you can send your old iPhone or other Apple products for recycling, and some of those products may be eligible for trade-in credits. According to Apple’s reuse and recycling program, returning your device will help you “move closer to making all of our products from only recyclable and renewable materials.”
This is also where you can recycle your old computers and printers for free.
For larger IT recycling needs, Dell’s Asset Recovery Services will pick up your equipment and safely dispose of it, even if it’s not actually Dell-made. If your business or group of friends recycles at least 10 cell phones, Smartphone Recycling accepts devices sent in bulk with free FedEx shipping labels that you can print at home. In addition to phones, the company also accepts Apple products and other tablets.
You can even repair your old device now that iFixit offers DIY guides and tech companies make it easy to remove and replace damaged parts. If you don’t like the DIY route, you can also have the repair done by the manufacturer or a third party.
read more: With a strong push from iFixit, cell phone and laptop repairs are becoming mainstream
