According to a recent study, of the 16 billion smartphones in circulation, more than 5 billion are unused.
Smartphones that usually rot in drawers, closets, glove boxes, garages…
5.3 billion unused smartphones in nature?
When you acquire a new smartphone, some people recycle their old device, while others choose to lock it in a drawer…. even throw it away. According to the organization Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), of the 16 billion smartphones in circulation worldwide, a third are destined to become “e-waste” in 2022.
” Despite the value of gold, copper, silver, palladium and other recyclable components, experts expect the majority of smartphones to disappear into drawers, closets, cabinets or garages , or are disposed of in waste bins intended for landfill or incineration “, explains the association.
Recycling emergency!
According to the organization, it is imperative to recycle your old smartphone, not only to recover a few precious euros, but also to prevent it from ending its life as electronic waste, forgotten in a drawer, or worse, thrown in a trash can. Smartphones embed many components that can be used in the production of new electronic devices.
A study conducted by the WEEE in 6 European countries found that more than 45% of respondents keep their old smartphone “just in case”, while 15% say they plan to sell or give it away later. . Some (13%) also give them a sentimental side, while others (9%) hope that their old smartphone will increase in value in the years to come.
Last year, Samsung revealed that its recycling program had only taken back 0.0019% of smartphones sold since 2015.
And you, what do you do with your old smartphone when you buy the new flagship of your favorite brand?
Source : Neowin
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