Mobile and Zero Waste

02/28/2023
Magda Cebrián

6 solutions to reduce waste in the mobile sector and projects that are making it possible

As we learned at the 2023 Mobile World Congress, 80% of a mobile device’s climate impact occurs before we even take it out of the box .

So we begin this article by highlighting the essentials: the importance of mobile manufacturers and operators working to ensure that smartphones are designed to last, use reused and recycled materials to avoid dependence on new raw materials, are easy and inexpensive to repair, and at the end of a long lifespan, are 100% recycled using renewable and responsible energy.

That said, what solutions and alternatives exist today so that we, as consumers, can participate in this necessary change? Here are 6 examples:

Redesign

As we have indicated, the design and production phase is the most important and in this sense, if there is one company that has stood out above the rest for years, it is Fairphone .

This company is a pioneer in designing the fairest and most sustainable mobile phone possible , taking into account materials, manufacturing processes, and after-sales service. They are an example of commitment, consistency, and transparency for the entire industry.

Their latest model, the Fairphone 4, costs less than 600 euros, competing in price with high-end models from other well-known brands. As we’ll see below, if price is a barrier, we always have the option of choosing a previous model.

We encourage you to visit their website to learn more about their journey and content, including a documentary called “Behind the Screens,” where they explain everything involved in making a mobile phone, from “cradle to grave,” that is, from obtaining the necessary materials until it becomes waste.

Os dejamos con el trailer en inglés:

Buy second-hand or refurbished

Despite what others might tell you, you don’t need the latest model; you just need a phone that works well . Refurbished technology allows you to save money and reduce waste. Websites like Backmarket are leading this shift by guaranteeing the good condition of the devices.

Another option available to us is buying secondhand from physical stores or platforms like Wallapop . In these cases, we’ll likely get more competitive prices, but when buying and selling between individuals, we have to make sure that the phone we’re buying is actually in the condition the seller claims. We acknowledge that there are fewer guarantees here, so we have to thoroughly verify the item or trust the seller.

Manufacturers strive to continuously release improved models with new features that surpass previous models and those of the competition, creating a need for us to upgrade our device every so often.

Una de las tiendas de backmarket

Repair or self-repair

Fixing a cracked screen or replacing a battery should be easy and more cost-effective than buying a new phone . Communities like iFixit work to make this possible and facilitate our right to repair. Because, did you know that as a consumer you have the right to repair ?

At the same time, there are plenty of small mobile phone repair shops that provide jobs and a livelihood for your neighbors, so we always encourage you to visit your nearest store and ask how much it costs to repair that broken screen. Even if it costs 100 euros, although it may seem expensive, it’s still much cheaper than buying a new phone.

Here we also highlight another advantage: independence. Phone companies often offer enticing deals on new phones financed in exchange for long-term contracts that ensure you stay with them for years, keeping you as a customer for extended periods. It’s up to you whether you play along or not.

Comunidad iFixit

Repurpose

Sometimes we forget that in just a few years, great technological advances have managed to concentrate a lot of tools that we used to use separately into a very small space and for a relatively low price.

Your mobile phone is a small computer; if one of its functions breaks down , don’t throw it away! You can still use it in a thousand ways:

calculator
camera
alarm
music player
flashlight
…and much more

Reaprovechar smartphones

Donate for resale or recycling

There are examples like Movilbak , a company that buys your mobile phone to resell or recycle it while also collaborating with NGOs such as the Jane Goodall Institute, Intermón Oxfam, Amnesty International or the Mona Foundation through donations.

Mobile phone stores, shops selling mobile phones, and repair shops may also have collection points . Another option is to go to your nearest recycling center.

So if you think your phone can no longer be repaired or reused in any way, make sure it ends up somewhere where it can be recovered and reused without becoming waste.

Vender de segunda mano

Standardize components and accessories

We need laws that require the standardization of parts, components, chargers, cases, and accessories for all models and brands.

The EU is already legislating in this regard with initiatives related to the aforementioned right to repair , measures on ecodesign, or the fight against planned obsolescence among others, but these efforts must be global to protect the rights of consumers worldwide.

We won’t deny the obvious: it’s hard to imagine life without mobile phones these days . They’ve become an indispensable tool for millions of people. So, all the more reason to point out the long road ahead for this gigantic sector to reduce its environmental impact.

Did you find this helpful? Try some of these alternatives and share them to help reduce waste in the mobile phone sector.

El derecho a reparar por ley

Summary and conclusions

✅ The biggest impact is in production: 80% of a mobile phone’s environmental impact occurs even before it’s used. That’s why it’s crucial that manufacturers use recycled materials and design devices that are durable, easy to repair, and fully recyclable at the end of their life.

✅ You don’t need the latest model: Instead of buying a new phone, you can opt for a refurbished or second-hand one. This not only helps you save money, but also prevents more electronic waste from being generated.

✅ Repair instead of replace: Fixing your phone’s screen or replacing its battery is almost always cheaper and more responsible than buying a new one. Plus, by repairing, you avoid long-term contracts with phone companies.

✅ Give it a new life: If your phone stops working properly, don’t throw it away. It can still be useful as a camera, music player, flashlight, or other tool. Before discarding it, think about how you can repurpose its main functions.

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