Carriers Target Old Phones for Reuse or Recycling

In a project led by Tele2 and Orange, GSMA and international operators are targeting the more than 5 billion mobile phones, “currently sitting unused and unloved in desk drawers around the globe,” for reuse or recycling. The project is “intended to help reduce ‘e-waste,’ extending the longevity of mobile devices by giving them a second life, as well as recycling materials to be used in new smartphones,” GSMA said Tuesday: “A refurbished phone can have 87% lower climate impact than a newly manufactured phone.” Other providers participating include BT Group, Globe Telecom, Singtel and Telefonica.