There are now more cellphones in the world than people at over 8.58 billion[1]. With that many cellphones traversing the planet and with how quickly technology evolves, it’s inevitable that most of us have at least one old cellphone sitting in a junk drawer wondering what to do with it. America Recycles Day is a great reminder that you can recycle that old phone!
The journey of a recycled cellphone is a fascinating process that not only helps protect the environment but also recovers valuable materials for reuse. In fact, in 2023 UScellular recycled/repurposed 242,477 devices and diverted 109,110 pounds from landfills through our consumer trade-in program. Regardless of the carrier or manufacturer, UScellular accepts wireless phones and batteries for recycling.
How is a phone recycled?
Once the phone is collected, it undergoes a thorough inspection. If the phone is still functioning, it is wiped clean of all data to ensure privacy and is resold as a refurbished phone or its parts are sold.
Phones that are not repurposed are securely identified and separated from the store's inventory. All discarded batteries are recycled, following specific safety handling procedures for lithium-ion batteries. The next step involves shipping the devices to a recycling facility where they are dismantled. This involves separating the different components, such as the screen, battery, and circuit board. Each component is then processed separately to prevent any environmental hazards, while the metals and plastics are sorted for recycling.
Recycling just a million cellphones reduces greenhouse gas emissions in an amount that is the equivalent to taking 1,368 cars off the road for a year.[2]
The metals recovered from the phones, such as gold, silver, and copper, are melted down and purified. These metals can then be reused in the manufacturing of new electronics, reducing the need for mining and conserving natural resources. The plastics are also recycled and can be used to create new products, such as plastic bottles or even new phone cases.
By recycling your old cellphone, you are contributing to a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed, reducing waste and environmental impact. It's a small step that makes a big difference in creating a sustainable future and building better communities.
You can drop off your discarded equipment at any UScellular store, and there's no purchase necessary. Customers can trade in their old devices for a monthly discount on a new phone or receive a credit of up to $650 on their account.
[1] World Economic Forum: There are now more mobile phones than people in the world | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
[2] Waste Care: Cellphone Recycling (wastecare.com)