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In order to understand how, let's look at the life cycle of a mobile phone.
The life of the mobile phone starts with the extraction of raw materials from the earth to make each of the components in the phone. This requires energy, adding to emissions, as well as reducing habitats as new areas are mined for metals.
The raw materials are then processed to make them into a form that can be used, after which they are then further processed and manufactured into parts. Those parts are then made into components and those components are eventually made into an entire mobile phone. The finished mobile phone is then packaged and transported from the factory to retailers all over the world. At each step, energy is used and carbon dioxide is released.
According to calculations published by ESU Services of Switzerland, and figures released by US EPA, the energy needed to manufacture and transport one mobile phone, as well as the energy needed to operate it over its average projected use of 18-24 months, produces approximately 60 kg of carbon dioxide. This equates to as much carbon dioxide as burning almost 26 litres of fuel.
The useful life of a mobile phone is 7 years. By recycling your mobile phones for re-use and extending its useful life, you are reducing or postponing the need to use energy to create a new phone. And the less energy used, the less carbon is released into Earth's atmosphere. If the useful life of the phone is extended from 2 to 7 years, approximately 45 kg of carbon emissions can be saved.
With Aussie Recycling Program, you have the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions contributed by your mobile phone, by donating it for refurbishment and re-use.
So if C02 and helping the environment matter to you, choose to recycle your old mobiles for re-use before recycling. You will be helping to make a difference!
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