Figures from the European Commission show that more than 700 million mobile phones are not being used in the EU. This offers opportunities in economic, environmental and sustainability areas.
Swappie is Europe’s largest iPhone refurbisher and announces that no less than 140 billion euros worth of unused mobile phones are lying in homes throughout Europe. This offers an important opportunity, both economically, environmentally and sustainably. Figures from the European Commission show that more than 700 million mobile phones are not being used in the EU. With an estimated average value of €200 per device [1] this mountain of telephones amounts to a value of € 140 billion.
Millions of new smartphones are purchased each year during the holidays, significantly increasing the number of unused devices people have at home. This annual increase exacerbates the existing problem of the ever-growing mountain of electronic waste. It is therefore necessary that these devices are included in the circular economy.
“Encouraging the reuse of these unused devices is crucial,” says Martine Hardeveld Kleuver, Country Lead Netherlands and Belgium at Swappie. “By bringing these devices back to the market, we not only unlock significant economic value, but we also make a positive contribution to the environment by reducing electronic waste.”
Valuable
Apart from the economic consequences, unused mobile phones contain valuable materials, including important raw materials essential for new technologies. According to the European Commission, less than 5% of mobile phones are collected, meaning an estimated 700 million unused devices are kept at home in the EU. Encouraging collection and recycling of these devices is essential for efficient use of resources and a sustainable environment.
Swappie is at the forefront of the refurbished smartphone market and offers consumers affordable, high-quality alternatives to new devices. The company’s rigorous refurbishment process ensures that every iPhone meets strict quality standards, providing a reliable and durable option for technology enthusiasts.
As the number of unused phones continues to increase, especially after the holidays, Swappie is urging consumers to consider the environmental and economic benefits of trading in their unused devices. Reintroducing these smartphones to the market supports the circular economy and helps combat the growing problem of electronic waste.
[1] Average value is an estimate based on data from Swappie
