When it comes to issues such as environmental protection, it must be recognized that the average American consumes more resources and therefore produces more waste than anyone else in the world. Of course, issues such as recycling and sustainability were discussed in recent years in the wider public. For example, mobile phones have a huge environmental burden, but in the same time, they are also a huge business potential. Here is an interesting fact – up to half a billion mobile phones are forgotten and unused. Only ten percent of them will eventually be recycled, says the EPA. If you are interested in the steps you need to take to sell your old mobile phone, you can check Google.
Another interesting fact – Most phones are discarded, although they still work. It is best of course, if these devices can be used again. The next best solution is high quality recycling.
How is a phone recycled?
Before you recycle your old mobile phone, remove the SIM card and your personal data. The batteries that contain hazardous substances also need to be removed and disposed. A mobile phone is made of 25 percent metal. For example, it contains 250 mg of silver, 24 mg of gold, 9 mg of palladium, 9 grams of copper and 4 grams of cobalt – these are valuable and sometimes rare metals. In particular, the circuit board of the mobile phone contains valuable precious metals. These very valuable metals are separated and recovered.
What precious metals can be recovered?
The following metals are contained in old cell phones and they can be recovered for recycling:
Gold and silver are used for contact surfaces and bonding connections. Copper is used for the production of printed circuit boards. Palladium is used for the production of semiconductors and electronics. Since it is also used in auto catalysts, it is a very valuable resource.
In addition, mobile phones contain as other electronics products further metals and so-called “rare earth”. These occur only in very small amounts in the individual devices. Tin and lead are the interconnect metals during soldering. Tantalum is a transition metal and is used for the capacitors in the mobile. Indium is used as indium tin oxide (ITO) in flat screens, displays and LEDs. Gallium is used as gallium arsenide for converting electrical signals into optical signals. Lithium is included in powerful batteries. Platinum is used in printed circuit boards. The partial recycling of these materials is already technically possible. Therefore, the recycling of mobile phones should not be underestimated. Rather, each of us has to contribute to environmental protection.