“From Technological Waste to Golden Opportunity: The Hidden Wealth in Old Mobile Phones”
The average lifespan of a mobile phone in China is around 2.2 years, and each year, over 400 million mobile phones are discarded, resulting in a total stockpile of over 2 billion used phones. Shockingly, only about 5% of these phones are recycled or repurposed, with the majority either being left unused or sold. However, beneath this electronic waste lies a hidden treasure trove.
According to Zhou Zhen, the head of the CACE branch in Hubei province, each mobile phone contains over 60 different elements, including precious metals like gold, silver, copper, rhodium, and other rare metals. Through proper recycling processes, approximately 200 grams of gold, 2,200 grams of silver, and 100 kilograms of copper can be extracted from every ton of old mobile phones.
This opens up a whole new opportunity for the mobile phone recycling industry in China. Zhou Zhen believes that it is entering a period of development and growth. There are two main destinations for old mobile phones in China. Those in good condition and with an appealing design are refurbished and re-enter the market as used phones at a lower price. On the other hand, damaged phones or those that cannot be sold directly are dismantled, with reusable components repurposed and the remaining materials sent for metal extraction.
Currently, there are three channels for mobile phone recycling in China: manufacturer channels, online platforms, and professional recycling companies. Increasingly, purchasing used phones has become a popular choice among consumers due to changing consumer attitudes. It is projected that around 20% to 30% of new mobile phones with attractive designs could be resold as used phones. Meanwhile, phones with low commercial value will undergo dismantling and metal extraction processes.
The potential wealth that lies within old mobile phones is staggering. By increasing awareness and improving recycling practices, the mobile phone recycling industry can not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also unlock valuable resources. It’s time to recognize the hidden gold mine that exists within our technological waste.