A Quick Guide for Old Cell Phone Recycling

Yes, you can clearly feel that there are more and more mobile phones in the world. Almost everyone has one. It is not uncommon for one person to own several mobile phones. In China, people use mobile phones to complete various things related to daily life. It can be said that people in today’s society cannot live without mobile phones.

We have conducted relevant surveys and have come to a conclusion. It is expected that by 2025, 7.49 billion people in the total population will own mobile phones. This is a very large number. It is conceivable that the related electronic waste will also increase. Therefore, in order to protect the environment, the old mobile cell phone recycling business is urgently needed.

1. What is old cell phone recycling?

Mobile phone recycling is not as simple as simply taking the mobile phone back and putting it in place. It means a process. A process of disassembling old mobile phones and separating the electronic components. The usable electronic components can be reassembled with other accessories. And those unusable metal parts will be melted down and made into other items. Maximizing the use of remaining available resources is a circular process.

2. What preparations should be made before recycling your cell phone?

Before recycling your phone, there are some preparations you need to do. This is to avoid leaking your privacy and losing some valuable information. Let’s take a look at the steps below.

1) Transfer data

If you are recycling your phone, it means you already have a new phone. Then, the first thing you need to do is to transfer the information in the old phone to the new phone. Of course, I believe that many people will complete this step when they first get a new phone. If your two phones are different brands, you can use cloud services for backup transfer. If the two phones are the same brand, it will be even easier. You can transfer the data directly.

For specific methods, please refer to the manufacturer’s guide or consult relevant staff. Of course, there is another situation here. That is, you don’t have a new phone yet. Then you can transfer the data to other devices for storage. Then transfer it to your new phone. In short, before recycling, make sure all your important information has been backed up.

2) Log out of all accounts and remove the SIM card

On each phone, you will have your own account. This account can only be used by you. And it contains a lot of information about you. So you need to log out of the account before recycling. For example, if you don’t log out of the iPhone ID before recycling, no one else will be able to use the phone. Also, make sure to remove the SIM card. This is related to your calls or messages. You can install this card on your new phone. This ensures that you use the same phone number.

3) Restore factory settings

Restoring the factory settings will completely delete all the information on your phone and it cannot be recovered. This operation can ensure that your information will not be leaked to others. But before doing this, make sure that all your information has been backed up.

4) Remove the battery（if have）

This step is not applicable to everyone. Because these smartphones are no longer equipped with removable batteries. Therefore, if your phone has a removable battery, please remove it and place it separately before recycling.

3. Recycling methods in different scenarios

Please note: Physically damaged e-waste (with damaged physical parts/screens) should be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste as these items may contain hazardous substances such as mercury. Cell phone retailers often take old phones for recycling. Other convenient options include:

Single-family households:  The paper should be wrapped around each cell phone. Place in a clear bag and zip or tie closed. Place the bag on the garbage truck lid on collection day.

Multifamily: The bag should be placed in the orange collection bucket, following the same steps as above. If there are no buckets available, please have your property manager call us.  

Businesses: Arrange for recycling through a hazardous waste transporter or drop-off facility.

Cell phones can also be disposed of as e-waste. But don’t throw it in the trash. In addition to toxic metals, cell phones contain reusable precious metals, silicone, glass, and plastics.  Don’t throw away cell phones, which are a major source of e-waste.

4. Benefits of old cell phone recycling

Mobile phone recycling is a worthwhile business. It has many benefits, let’s take a look at some of them.

1. Protect the environment

This is the benefit that comes to my mind first. It is also the most meaningful advantage I think. Do you know? A mobile phone that looks small and thin actually contains multiple components and materials. For example, lithium, cobalt, and nickel. If not handled properly, these materials will cause great harm to the environment. Therefore, they should be handed over to professional organizations for treatment. Another point is that these materials can be recycled and reused to reduce energy consumption.

2. Reduce the risk of disease

Some electronic components contain toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. If the human body comes into direct contact with these chemicals, it will cause a series of diseases, such as nerve damage, cancer, etc. The land and air that come into contact with them will also cause them.

3. Get extra income

After recycling your old cell phone, you will get cash or other items. If you just throw it away, you will not get any return.

4. Promote economic development

From an economic perspective, mobile phone recycling can create some jobs. Once this industry is established, there will be professionals to recycle, disassemble, and reassemble mobile phones. This will create some corresponding jobs. The staff will earn income and the company will make a profit. Ultimately, it will drive economic development.