There are estimated to be around 90 million redundant mobile phones in the UK. Mobile phones contain a number of potentially dangerous materials such as cadmium, mercury and lead so it is important that unwanted mobile phones are diverted from landfill and Energy from Waste facilities and recycled correctly. By doing this, the dangerous materials can be extracted, made safe and reused. Mobile phones also contain small amounts of precious metals including platinum, gold and silver which are recovered during the recycling process. Redundant mobile phones are processed and sorted for recycling or refurbished for reuse if they are still in working order.
There are a number of ways you can recycle your old mobile phone:
- Mobile phone retailers and many high-street stores and supermarkets will collect old phones for recycling. Some may offer you a "trade-in" deal when you buy a new mobile from them.
- You can sell your mobile phone to one of the numerous online firms who will recycle or refurbish it. Step by step instructions of how to do this will be on the individual company websites.
- Many charities accept mobile phones to help them raise funds. Have a look online for details of this type of mobile phone recycling service.
- You can take your mobile to any Recycling Centre in Dundee and put it into the "Small Electrical Appliances" container.
For further information contact:
recycle@dundeecity.gov.uk
Tel: 01382 433710 Option 7