Recent research conducted by One Poll has calculated that the UK alone has £6.86 billion worth of unused phones. Now, this is shocking and not only for the wasteful extravagance it reveals in these times of economic hardship. And here’s why.
By not recycling our old handsets, we are committing a crime against beautiful mother earth. While they’re ok and harmless sitting in some darkened and unused draw, one day – probably moving day - you’ll have to do something about them and probably just chuck them away in a pique of stress and lethargy. This is bad news.
Mobile phones contain hazardous toxic materials, known as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs) and they include arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper and lead. Not only are they damaging to the environment but they are also highly dangerous to health. Apparently 40% of the lead found in landfill sites is thought to originate from discarded mobile phones and gadgets. Not only does recycling your old handset reduce environmental and human health impacts but it also reduces energy that would be spent on mining and processing virgin materials by increasing the amount of quality reusable materials available.
Along with all the harmful stuff that’s in your mobiles comes some pretty precious stuff too: like gold and silver. For every one million phones we recycle 35,284lbs of copper, 772lbs of silver, 75lbs of gold and 33lbs of palladium can be recovered and this can earn you some cash.
Here at OnRecycle, the leading price comparison site for recycling old gadgets, we can convert your unused device into cash in moments. While all the major phone companies will take your handset for free – we find you within seconds the best possible price – guaranteed. So recycling your old handset is not only good for the environment but it’s also pretty good for your wallet. Visit our comparison site for price details on your new, used or damaged handset. If you’re happy with our service then don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter - you’ll get all the latest from the world of technology then, too ;)
