One definition of recycling is that it is the process of used materials into new useful materials with the aim to reduce environmental pollution. Or it can be defined as to treat or process used or waste materials so as to make suitable for reuse.
So how are mobile phones recycled?
A mobile phone is made from various materials, like plastic, ceramics or metal on the outer casing and other metal elements and precious materials on the inside and in the battery. All components in a mobile phone can be recycled, including the charger and accessories.
When not disposed of responsibly, electronic waste like old mobile phones have a bad impact on the environment. Limited natural resources such as gold, silver, lithium, iron, and copper are often wasted when they could be recycled.
A recycled mobile phone can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 12.585 kilograms. A university in Indonesia reports that if 2 million phones are recycled the impact of greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced equivalent to the pollution from 1.368 vehicles during a year.
Mobile phones can be recycled easily with many companies offering cash incentives or donations to charities. However you choose to dispose of your old mobile, know that if you do so responsbility by recycling it, you are helping the environment and reducing your carbon footprint.