According to the GSM Association (GSMA), there are currently more than five billion abandoned cell phones worldwide. These unused devices that collect dust in the drawers are much more valuable than we think. This is exactly what GSMA wants to take advantage of.

A huge hidden mine. Although there are mobile recycling programs, many people keep their old devices in drawers and abandon them. The GSMA knew this and realized that given the scarcity of certain materials, these cell phones could become a real mine.

100 tons of gold. According to GSMA calculations, the collection of all these mobile phones will enable the recovery of 50,000 tons of copper, 500 tons of silver and 100 tons of gold. In fact, it will be possible to obtain enough cobalt to produce ten million electric vehicles. The value of these materials is estimated to be around $8,000 million.

Source: GSMA.

bulk recycling. Given the situation, the GSMA wants to activate several initiatives to implement a major recycling plan. First, promote recycling or return programs so people don’t leave them in a drawer and throw them in the trash. The second is to prevent mobile phones from going to landfills and to try to ensure that, by 2030, 100% of mobile phones recovered through recycling programs are repaired, reused or sent to recycling organizations.

Several operators in garlic. Major telecommunications groups such as BT Group, Globe Telecom, Orange, Tele2 or Telefonica have confirmed their support for these initiatives, which can undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of these (ambitious) goals.

less waste. And of course, such a project will help reduce electronic waste. According to the GSMA, the “climate impact” of a refurbished cell phone can be 87% lower than a newly manufactured cell phone.

However. There is a lot of goodwill here, but the idea contradicts important facts. First, devices are expensive to recycle and recover: for many companies, it’s easier for you to keep a product you don’t want than to pay for a return. As The Register points out, there are other additional problems, such as the inability of operators allied with GSMA to have a presence in huge Asian markets (China, India) but not in the US.

Image | mingwei lim

on Xataka | 17 things you can do with your old smartphone if Santa brings you a new one