Cellphone Recycling — How It Works

Posted on: 17 April 2023

If you and your business associates upgrade your cell phones on an annual basis, it may be in your best interest to begin recycling old equipment. Recycling phones involves breaking down phones and circuitry. All of the parts that are collected are used to manufacture electronics, jewelry, and other items of value.

Phone Waste Concerns

Cell phones should not be disposed of with standard business trash. Cell phones contain batteries that could leak and be harmful to the environment. If you typically give your old phones to a business that collects them, you may want to pursue the manner in which the phones are repurposed.

If the current business that you swap out your old phones with is following a recycling plan, you can continue to dispose of your phones in this manner. If recycling is not sought through the business, contact some recycling centers and inquire about phone recycling programs that are conducted onsite.

The Collection Strategies

Set up a list that includes details about each phone that has been issued to someone at your place of business. Settle on a date when you will be providing everyone with new phones. Prepare a collection plan which should involve requiring your staff members to turn in their phones in a designated area.

A sturdy box can be used to store the phones that you will be transporting to a recycling center. Before you bring the phones to the recycling center, wipe off any data that is on the phones. Critical business information and personal details should be erased in their entirety.

The Recycling Steps That You Should Follow

Once you arrive at the recycling center, check in with a clerk. A clerk will assess the phones that you wish to dispose of. They may request that the phones be dropped off at various stations within the facility. The types of phones that you are parting with could each contain distinct materials that will require targeted recycling strategies.

The people who are in charge of recycling the phones will break down each phone. They will remove the battery, wires, metal, glass, and circuit board from each phone. All of the materials that are collected will be placed in separate bins.

Each material that is salvaged will be inspected and cleaned. Materials that are damage-free will be used to make new items. The attendant who assists you at the recycling center can provide you with information on how the phones will ultimately be repurposed.

Share