Learn about mobile phone Reuse and Recycling
In 2002, with the endorsement of Michael Meacher, then UK Minister for the Environment, the main mobile networks and the Dixons Group, Fonebak was launched as the world’s first mobile handset recycling company in line with all current and forthcoming legislation. Fonebak has continued to grow and is recognised as the industry leader in mobile phone reuse and recycling – currently processing over 200,000 handsets per month in the UK.
Our main processing hub is located in West Thurrock, Essex, where all handsets are processed as follows:
- Handset collections are weighed in for WEEE compliance reporting;
- Handsets are pre-segregated (separating the handset, charger, and battery) to prepare for scanning;
- Handsets are scanned in by IMEI and segregated by make and model;
- Handsets are automatically checked for blacklisting (checkMEND) and assessed for re-use or recycling suitability.
Handsets which are fit for re-use are:
- Tested,
- Repaired and/or refurbished in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
- Data cleansed, and then
- Re-packaged and shipped directly to our customers
Phones which are not suitable for re-use are safely recycled. Fonebak operates a zero landfill policy:
- Handsets are sent to a specialist recycling agent in Sweden where metals are extracted using waste-to-energy incineration;
- Data contained on handsets which are sent for recycling is automatically removed as the process involves a secured route to high-temperature incineration which destroys the handset and memory boards in their entirety;
- Batteries are sent to a specialist recycler in France. Nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and lithium ion/polymer are extracted and returned to productive use;
- Chargers and accessories – the metals are recovered, and the plastic is melted into traffic cones, buckets and horse gallops;
- Mixed plastics are melted and formed to make plastic sheeting.
