Safe mobile phone disposal is really important due to all the harmful chemicals found in mobile phone batteries. You always hear about having to dispose of batteries carefully, well mobile phones are the same. In a mobile phone, the most damaging chemicals are found in the battery as well as the circuit board so if you send your mobile to a recycling company, not only will they use all the precious metals in the mobile, they’ll dispose of the dangerous chemicals in the battery safely.
In the UK today there are WEEE regulations. ‘WEEE’ stands for ‘waste electrical or electronic equipment’ and these regulations state that all mobile phone companies are obliged to ask for all old mobile equipment when selling a new phone. This is so the company can pass the electronic equipment to someone who will recycle it all safely.
All these ‘WEEE’ regulations seem all well and good but what is in it for you when you recycle your mobile phone? Firstly, you will get a cash sum and secondly you’ll get green points and a clear conscience knowing that your old mobile isn’t leaking chemicals in a landfill site. Yes, the environmental benefits are great but I know what you’re thinking, how much money is in it? Depending on the make, model and condition you can get between one and one hundred pounds.
This is ideal if the phone you’re discarding simply just outgrew your style as it wasn’t the latest model. Recycle it and get some money towards your next mobile. Also, your old mobile won’t be scrapped as there is usually nothing wrong with it, the company will recondition it and sell it on, meaning less waste. So everyone wins really, you win because you get money, the environment wins because yours is one less phone sitting in landfill leaking chemicals.
Some mobile phone recycling companies offer vouchers instead of cash and this can also be a good incentive to recycle your mobile phone. One company, Mazuma, offered Argos vouchers instead of cash, so if it’s close to Christmas and your kids have requested all the latest video games and they’re cheaper in Argos than in other stores, you can recycle your phone, receive Argos vouchers and use them to keep the kids happy.
