Mobile phone recycling needs industry standards

Mobile phone recycling needs to be governed by new set of Europe-wide standards, according to the continent’s biggest handset recycler.

Regenersis said standards must be set to ensure that all data is removed from re-sold handsets.

It also called for a ban on the export of non-working handsets, and a zero landfill policy.

Regenersis said those who have willingly returned an unwanted handset must be protected by a data removal policy.

A recent survey by Regenersis of 2,000 discarded handsets found that 99% contained some kind of personal data including contacts, SMS, pictures, music, videos, calendar entries, and emails.

In some cases, extremely confidential data such as bank details was discovered.

In addition, the current practice of shipping working and broken handsets in a single shipment to developing nations must be stopped, Regenersis said.

Mark Franklin, Regenersis managing director, said: “The reuse and recycling market is becoming more and more crowded and we want to ensure that the consumer, when making a choice of recyclers, is making an informed and responsible decision.

He added that the proposed standards would protect consumers, developing nations, and the environment.

“By implementing these standards, we protect the consumer by removing all data from the devices received.

“We protect the markets to which our products are resold, by only remarketing quality products, and we protect the environment by ensuring that nothing goes to landfill.”