Global Perspective
The research conducted by refurbed and Fraunhofer Austria highlights that only 10% of old smartphones in Europe are recycled. The rest turns into electronic waste or remains in storage, resulting in the loss of critical metals for the European market. This situation underscores the importance of recycling and recovering these materials.Market Impact
Recovering precious metals through urban mining could reduce Europe's reliance on imports from conflict-affected regions. Moreover, this process has the potential to be more resource-efficient than traditional mining, since a tonne of electronic waste can contain more gold than a tonne of mined ore.Future Outlook
The report suggests that recovering these materials would not only reduce environmental impact but also strengthen Europe's access to critical raw materials. This movement could be a significant step toward the continent's sustainability and economic security.FAQ
- What is urban mining?
- Urban mining refers to the recovery of valuable raw materials from electronic waste, such as old smartphones.
- Why is it important to recycle old smartphones?
- Recycling helps recover valuable metals and reduces the need for mining, lowering environmental impact and strengthening the local economy.
Read also
What This News Means for You
Technology news moves fast. At iOutlet, we keep up with every update to ensure our refurbished products always deliver the best possible experience, with supported software updates and verified hardware.
In this article
Stay Informed
- Follow the iOutlet blog for the latest news on Apple, Samsung and technology
- Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive offers on refurbished products
Get more articles like this one.
Refurbished tech analysis + €5 with BEMVINDO5 on your first order.
Refurbished tech with warranty
iPhones, MacBooks, iPads and more, tested and certified, with a 24-month warranty.
24-month warrantyShipping up to 8 business days
See products →
