Many of us are changing our mobile phones more frequently than ever before. While stats show something of a consumer burnout when it comes to the latest devices, how often the new smartphone is updated still pushes many to purchase a new device every few years.

According to Statista, over 1.5 billion smartphones are sold every year – that’s a lot of materials! It’s no surprise that a growing number of people are concerned about the environmental impact of mobiles.

Thankfully, you can still upgrade to the latest device and not feel guilty about the impact on the environment. Recycling your old phone comes with many advantages, not just for Mother Nature but also yourself and others! Here are some of the biggest benefits.

Care for the Planet

First of all, it’s important that we’re all taking the right steps for our environment. Climate change is something that affects us all, and every little step we can take to reduce our carbon footprint will be beneficial.

Recycling your old mobile phone can help protect the environment in many ways, some of which are covered below. What many people don’t realise is that the latest phones are made with chemicals that can harm the environment, especially when released into landfill. Recycling your device not only stops this from happening, but also presents extra opportunities for the device, either in parts or as a whole.

Re-usable Parts

If your phone has stopped working, your instinct would probably be to throw it away. However, just because it’s stopped working doesn’t mean it’s completely dead. Recycling the device allows manufacturers to repurpose some of the materials and parts, putting them into new phones or other electronics.

Make Some Money

Not only can recycling do the planet good, but it can also be great news for your wallet! There are now countless opportunities to make money from your old device, depending on how much wear and tear it has suffered.

If your phone is still in good working order, you can sell your device to a reseller, which will give you some extra cash and keep your phone in the consumer cycle. If there are some issues with the smartphone, as mentioned above, you may be able to make a small amount of money by selling it for parts.

It’s not always a lot, but it’s better than throwing your old phone in the trash!

Someone’s Next Phone

As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another’s treasure! While you may have had enough of your phone, there could be somebody who’s looking to upgrade to a device just like yours but doesn’t want to purchase something new.

The second-hand phones market continues to grow. Part of that is because people are seeking the latest devices but at a great price. However, part of it is also down to people being more conscious about the impact of smartphone production on the environment. Keeping your phone in the market for longer will help slow down the somewhat excessive rate of production currently experienced, helping to care for the environment in many ways, from the slowdown of mineral extraction to fewer ships transporting goods worldwide.

How to Recycle My Old Phone

How you go about recycling your device will depend on what exactly you plan to do with the phone. If you simply want to recycle it, most phones are accepted as small electricals at recycling depots or in kerbside collections in certain locations.

If you want to sell your phone for parts, you may have to find someone online who would be interested in your device. If your phone is in working condition and you want to sell it, many major resellers can purchase your phone for a reasonable price.

If you have an old phone, it’s vital that you don’t just throw it away! So much good can come from recycling your old device, not only for the planet but also for yourself and others.

If you want to care for the environment with your next smartphone purchase, browse our selection of 2nd hand phones. We have a wide range of devices, from the latest tech to retro classics!

Still need convincing? Check out our recent blog on why you should purchase a refurbished phone.