Report
Mobile telecommunications operators recognise the environmental responsibilities associated with new and used mobile phones. Indeed, industry led take-back schemes have existed in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the USA since the late 1990s and predate legislative requirements. There are now provisions for collection of used phones in at least 40 countries, including several in Africa and Latin America. When it comes to mobile phone take-back, refurbishment and reuse is preferential to recycling, as it extends the life of the product. On average more than 70% of collected handsets from developed countries can be refurbished and most are sold in developing countries at prices that can vary significantly.