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Recycle Mobile Phones and Telephone Equipment,
or Buy Recycled
 
Safe recycling of mobile phones and other telecommunications equipment is a high priority
The new millennium has witnessed a remarkable growth in the use of mobile telephones and their presence seems to permeate every social space. This has had a significant impact on cultures internationally and not only the affluent ones. The users clearly see them as indispensable, bystanders often regard them as a pain and their small size and attractive features have fuelled a new wave of crime. Whichever way you see them, the rapid development of technology together with their desirability means that mobiles have short and usually expensive lives, often being disposed of while they are still potentially useful.
These characteristics, together with the fact that to dump them is positively dangerous (see our reference to old mobile phones below), has resulted in a flourishing recycling industry. Make no mistake this is a major business, and one to be encouraged. The operators frequently make charitable donations and whether these donations are a ploy to attract business or genuine altruism the end result is desirable.
Telephone equipment recycling is the less glamorous sibling. This area of telecommunications is likely to be be associated with organisations rather than individuals but is also the beneficiary of technological advancement. A good installation can bring increased profitability to a company perhaps by improving effective communications, time-saving or reducing manpower. The ongoing refurbishment of telephone and telecommunication systems means that recycling is important; hopefully it will become mandatory.
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Mobile Phone and Telephone Equipment Index
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In the trade, Mobiles are also referred to as Cellular Phones or Cell phones, names which are derived from the underlying network infrastructure. Their use has even influenced the English language as text messaging has proved a popular and economic form of communication. The resultant 'pidgin' English is characterised by brevity and, unfortunately, lax grammar.
  WEEE is referenced several times on this page. WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment; for our reference summary of WEEE click here WEEE, summary information.
 
Masterpoint Link
Mobile Phones
  
Note: many mobile phone recyclers now deal with printer-cartridge as well, so it is also worth looking at our page on Printer Cartridges



Orange Pond Lily
  Until recently most mobiles have ended up in landfill sites or the sea, but many companies now recycle them or sell second-user phones.. Recycling is an important, growing part of the trade because some components can be put to good use, moreover the dangerous content can be disposed of safely. It is said that some cellular phones and their accessories contain substances amongst the 10 most dangerous known. Click here to find out more about 'old' mobile phones Summary of mobile phone recycling.
[for more information on hazardous materials see our reference on WEEE (click here WEEE synopsis) and for a reference on RoHS (click here Go to reference on RoHS), and Batteries and Plastics in the Hazardous Waste section].
  ActionAid Recycling Link ActionAid Recycling collect unwanted mobile phones, empty printer, photocopier and fax cartridges; they give 80% of their profits to ActionAid, the charity who work with over 9 million of the world's poorest people ActionAid Recycling: Information.
  Against Breast Cancer Link
Against Breast Cancer (ABC) collect old mobile phones and inkjet and laser cartridges to recycle and raise funds for their research projects into breast cancer, diet, lifestyle and natural immunity. They can provide freepost poly bags, or boxes for larger numbers; visit their web site for details.
  Child Advocacy International and CRUMP Link Campaign to Recycle Unwanted Mobile Phones, CRUMP, run by Child Advocacy International in UK, helps children in hospital worldwide, and the environment. Their recycling service for mobiles and inkjets is free CRUMP and Child Advocacy International: Information.
  Cartridges4charity Link Cartridges4charity, a UK project designed to help the environment and raise funds for charities through mobile phone and printer cartridge recycling.
  EMC Link Environmental Mobile Control (EMC) specialises in buying and recycling and facilitating reuse of surplus mobile telephone equipment for companies EMC: Information.
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Mobile Phones continued

Fonebak link

 Fonebak states it's mobile phone recycling scheme is in line with all current and forthcoming environmental legislation and is endorsed by all UK network service providers and major retail chains. Their site tells you how to recycle your old mobile phone and what happens to it Fonebak: Information. Also see Shields above.
  Greener Solutions Link Greener Solutions, (formerly XS Ttronix) whose motto is 'the environmental answer for a Mobile world', is a leader in end-of-life mobile phone recycling, ensuring complete product stewardship for a safer, cleaner and greener environment. Their partners include Tesco, Comet, TK Maxx, Body Shop and many others and they benefit charities through various initiatives Greener Solutions: Information.
  Link to Green Phones Green Phones operate recycling appeals for charities, schools and community groups. Donation of old mobiles gives entry into a £500 cash prize draw regardless of the working condition of the handsets.
  Help the Aged Link Help the Aged run mobile phone and toner and inkjet cartridge collection and recycling services, which bring revenue to the charity. They also collect collect foreign currency, recycle household goods, spectacles etc Help the Aged: Information.
  Isis Telecommunications Link Isis Telecommunications' mobile phone recycling division serves UK corporates and public service organisations. Phones are either re-used (if working) to countries in Africa and Eastern Europe or if faulty beyond repair, they are recycled in accordance with WEEE. Their partner is Barnardo's Isis Telecommunications: Information.
  LeukaemiaCare Link Leukaemia CARE provides vital care and support to all those whose lives are affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and the allied blood disorders. Their work includes the welfare of families and carers, as well as patients. For info on donations including stamps, mobiles and cartridges click this button LeukaemiaCare: Information.
  MTF Link Mobile Takeback Forum is a group within the UK Federation of Communication Services (FCS). MTF is for all parts of the mobile phone industry to review the impact of new environmental legislation on their businesses, to discuss issues related to handling of 'end of life' mobiles.
  O2 Link O2 (was BT Cellnet) operate a free scheme, providing safe, easy disposal for individuals and corporates. You can return your unwanted mobile phones, chargers & accessories via O2 shops O2 Mobile Phone Recycling: Information.
  Office Green Link Office Green recycle used or unwanted printer cartridges, mobile phones, fluorescent lighting and computer equipment. They can issue companies with a full audit trail plus a Duty of Care Waste Transfer Note to help comply with environmental legislation. They also collect for free and pay for printer cartridges and mobile phones Office Green: Information.
  PCR Scheme Link The PCR (Printer Cartridge Recycling) Scheme, designed to help reduce waste, supports a number of UK children's charities. PCR now accept mobile phones (as well as printer/fax cartridges), stating anyone can take part by donating old mobiles they have to the scheme PCR Scheme: Information.
  Link to Redeem plc Redeem plc (formerly Eurosource Europe) claim to be international leaders in the collection and recycling of used inkjet and toner printer cartridges, mobile phones and accessories. They support schools, youth groups and national charities and are accredited with ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, EMAS and Investors in People. Any organisation can start a recycling scheme today to raise money for local community fund-raising. The company help all these groups to make money through recycling Information about Redeem plc.
  Scope, Recycling Link Scope have an active recycling programme covering mobile phones, printer and fax cartridges, drinks cans and IT equipment / furniture, to raise funds for disabled people. Details on their Web site, under Recycling Scope Recycling: Information.
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Telephone Equipment
   Telecommunications equipment can be expensive to install new or replace. A number of companies offer refurbished or second-user (ie recycled) telephone equipment and telecomms products, usually with installation and support, also maintenance if required.
  Siemens Assura Link Assura, the Second User Division of Siemens, offer value for money, quality branded telecommunications products (Siemens and GPT) with installation, maintenance and support services, for large and small companies Assura: Information.
  Aston Communications Link Aston Communications offer second user telecoms equipment, spare parts for telephone / telex systems and repair services. They state they recommend the most appropriate equipment for your application Aston Communications: Information.
  Link to Barclay Enterprises Inc Barclay Enterprises (California) takes old telephones and equipment for free. Under its T-Waste™ Recycling & Disposal Program it pledges to recycle for parts and dispose of remaining scrap in compliance with the California EPA and California Department of Toxic Substance Control's e-waste guidelines.
  Best4Systems Link Best4Systems (was Mediacomm) provide business and domestic telecommunications products including refurbished telephone systems and installation, upgrade / relocation, cabling, repair & maintenance services Best4Systems: Information.
  Eagle Associates Link Eagle Associates are waste carriers licensed by The Environment Agency specialising in controlled removal of redundant telecomms equipment. If you have equipment "in the way", they can arrange removal, either on a "pay to remove" basis or possible purchase (see also Telecom Green below) Info on Telecom Green and Eagle Associates.
  Eastern Telephones Link Eastern Telephones is a specialised communications engineering company
providing a repair and refurbishment service with backup and advice, for vandal resistant, special environment and all weather telephones Eastern Telephones: Information.
  Integral Communications Link Integral Communications state they are committed to recycling quality telecom equipment, offering supply and purchase of reliable second-user telephone systems plus installation and maintenance services Integral Communications: Information.
    Masterpoint state they are major suppliers of refurbished telecommunications equipment Masterpoint: Information.
  Shields Link Shields supports the telecoms industry and major corporations, providing pre owned network equipment and handsets to clients globally and offering safe disposal solutions of all types of network equipment and mobile phones, thereby minimising impact on the environment Shields: Information. Also see Fonebak below.
  Link to Telecom Green Telecom Green remove and recycle any used phone equipment, from small or large business systems. They are not telecommunications equipment suppliers. (see also Eagle Associates above), for more information click Info on Telecom Green and Eagle Associates.
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Page originated: 9 December, 2005, Last amended: 3 December, 2007