Skip to Search Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Sims Lifecycle Services
  • Locations
  • Blog
  • Client Portal
  • Contact
  • English
    • Deutsch
Menu
  • For Data Centers
    • Overview
    • Cloud Data Center Services
    • Colocation Data Center
    • Ultimate Decommissioning Guide
    • SLS plays a key role in helping companies manage ongoing technology shifts in data centers. Our record of success includes working with businesses, data centers and major cloud companies to provide periodic decommissioning of older data center equipment.
  • For Businesses
    • Overview
    • ITAD Services
      • RFP Template for ITAD
    • IT Asset Recovery
    • Data Destruction
      • On-Site Data Destruction
      • Bulk Data Destruction Services
      • Storage Device Types
      • Data Destruction Standards
      • Vendor Selection
    • On-Premise Data Center Decommissioning
    • E-Waste Recycling
    • ITAD Reporting and Portal
    • Logistics
    • Equipment We Process
    • SLS provides secure and compliant global IT asset disposition (ITAD), e-waste recycling and data center decommissioning services for businesses. We refurbish, repair and restore materials for continued useful life. In addition to facilitating reuse of equipment, SLS also recycles discarded electronics, transforming waste to raw material. Recycling diverts material from landfill or incineration and provides a feedstock for making next generation products.
  • For Manufacturers
    • Overview
    • Returns Management
    • Refining
    • Certified Destruction
    • Defense Contractors
    • Recycling
    • Extended Producer Responsibility
    • Portal and Reports
    • Recycling Innovation
    • How Computers Are Recycled
    • We work with manufacturers to manage reverse logistics and recover value from returned equipment. We resell whole units, manage spare parts recovery and responsibly recycle obsolete equipment. We also work with manufacturers in managing their extended producer responsibility requirements.
  • Global
    • Overview
    • Compliance
      • GDPR FAQ
    • Client Sustainability
      • Sustainability Reporting
      • Circular Economy Explained
    • International Associations
    • Consumer E-Waste
    • Leading companies trust SLS to provide a globally coordinated e-waste recycling and ITAD single solution with a high focus on data security, regulatory and corporate compliance, value recovery and sustainability.
  • About Us
    • Overview
    • Certifications
    • Sustainability at Sims
    • EH&S
    • Equipment We Process
    • Careers
    • As a business division of Sims Limited, SLS has the global reach, expertise, and infrastructure necessary to ensure to our customers that all electronic devices are processed in a secure and environmentally responsible manner.
  • News
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Resources
    • Infographics
    • Press Releases
    • Backed by a global network of IT asset disposition and e-recycling facilities, SLS is a leader in compliant disposition and recycling of electronic equipment. Stay up-to-date with our press releases, blog, newsletter, case studies, white papers, tip sheets, infographics and videos.

NEW! - HOW TO GUIDE: Template for Developing IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) RFP

Get Your Copy

Why You Should Make Secure Cellphone Recycling a Priority

Menu
  • Locations
  • Blog
  • Client Portal
  • Contact
January 2, 2014

Steve-Make-Secure-Cellphone-RecyclingEarly cellphones allowed users to do two things: make calls and receive calls. Today, cellphones are multifunctional and essential tools for modern life. They keep us connected, entertained, informed, and organized.

But for all that our cellphones do, our relationship isn’t a long-term one. Millions of cellphone users across the world replace their cellphones annually. South Korea ranks the highest in cellphone turnover rates with 28 percent of new mobile users replacing their phones every year. This rate is higher than the – already high – average 18.1 percent rate of the United States, Canada and Australia.

The problem is only 11.7 million—a paltry eight percent—of those mobile devices will likely be collected for recycling, reports the U.S. EPA. Data security concerns and a lack of awareness about the available options likely contribute to this low recycling rate. But when a new product launch turns your previously state-of-the-art cellphone into a paperweight, recycling is a good idea not just for the environment, but for your pocketbook as well.

Small device, big impact

As with other electronic devices, mobile phones rely on precious metals, copper, glass, plastic, and other materials to deliver the performance users expect. Extracting and processing these materials to manufacture cellphone components is energy-intensive and contributes to air and water pollution.

However, recycling recovers these materials so they can be used in new products. The U.S. EPA estimates that recycling 1 million mobile phones reclaims 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium for future use.

Unused, but not useless

Unwanted but still functional devices and accessories can be traded in for cash or donated. Zombie Phone from Sims Recycling is the most recent online consumer cellphone buyback service, allowing individuals to sell their used mobile devices and receive fast payments. Old cellphones, regardless of age or model, can also be dropped off at a retailer or at a community electronics collection event for recycling.

“If you are holding onto an old cellphone with no plans to use it again, it is worth sending it in sooner than later for payment,” stated Gilliam Els, mobile device manager for Sims Recycling Solutions. “Cellphones lose value quickly as newer technologies are introduced, so to guarantee the best price possible for your old phone, it is advised to recycle it right away.”

Another option is to return the device to the original cellphone manufacturer, service provider, or retailer. Many offer return value for older device models. To participate in one of these take-back programs, visit the company’s website to learn more about their recycling services.

Data security concerns and a lack of awareness about the available options likely contribute to this low recycling rate. But when a new product launch turns your previously state-of-the-art cellphone into a paperweight, recycling is a good idea not just for the environment, but for your pocketbook as well.

After phones are dropped off or mailed back, they are usually shipped to a recycling facility for inspection. Working devices will be refurbished and returned to service. Cellphones broken beyond repair will be taken apart and the reusable materials recovered and recycled.

Your phone, your identity

Mobile phones allow instant and unlimited access to personal and business information. A recent infographic reveals that:

  • 92 percent of smartphone users send or receive text messages on their phones
  • 84 percent browse the internet, and
  • 76 percent send or receive emails

This vulnerability of data—such as contact lists, emails, texts, bank account and credit card information—can lead to an increased risk of identity theft and consumer fraud if left intact on a discarded device.

To reduce this risk, follow these steps prior to parting with your phone.

  • Backup the data you want to keep.
  • Contact your wireless carrier to terminate your service.
  • Delete stored information from the phone by following device-specific instructions.
  • Remove the SIM card and shred it.
  • Use a certified electronics recycler, such as Sims Recycling.

This will ensure that special care is taken to destroy all data on the phone before being recycled. For more information, contact your service provider or cellphone manufacturer. Your mobile device does everything for you today. With a bit of knowledge and a few simple steps, you can protect yourself when it comes time to upgrade – while also protecting the environment and your own bottom line.

Steve Skurnac is the president of Sims Recycling Solutions, a global provider of electronics reuse and recycling services.

To view the most recent E-Solution News, click here.

Posted in: Data Security
Previous Post Next Post

Circular Newsletter

Data Center Services

Learn More

Regions

  • Americas
  • Global
  • EMEA
  • APAC

Topics

Archives

Sims Lifecycle Services
  • Corporate Information
    • About Us
    • Certifications
    • Locations
  • Services
    • For Data Centers
    • For Businesses
    • For Electronics Manufacturers
    • Data Destruction
    • Global Services
  • Contact
    • Email
    • News
    • Blog
  • Sims Limited
    • SLS is a business division of Sims Limited. Discover how Sims Limited plays an integral role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use.
      Visit the Sims Limited Website
  • Other Business Divisions (external websites)
    • Sims Metal
    • Sims Resource Renewal

Sign up for our newsletter

  • Visit Us on Instagram (opens new window)
  • Visit Us on Facebook (opens new window)
  • Visit Us on LinkedIn (opens new window)
Copyright © 2025 Sims Lifecycle Services, All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal
  • Terms of Use