Handset recycling

Helping our customers to recycle

We collect redundant handsets and accessories through our retail stores, offices and by post and we also include a returns bag in the packaging for some products.

In addition, we collect handsets through trade-ins, when customers change their handsets for newer models.

Through our recycling schemes, returned items are refurbished for re-use or recycled, leaving only a small quantity of inert plastics destined for controlled landfill. Refurbished phones are re-used by some business customers or, through third parties, sold in countries where appropriate recycling schemes are also in operation.

In 2006, we collected 303,615 redundant handsets through consumer recycling schemes^a , an increase of 109 per cent compared to 2005/06.

• UK – 242,345 (84,839 in 2005/06)
• Germany – 25,934 (22,059 in 2005/06)
• Ireland – 33,708 (36,648 in 2005/06)
• The Czech Republic – 1,261
• Isle of Man 367 (420 in 2005/06)

¹ Through consumer take-back schemes only. Note that redundant handsets are recovered by other routes, for example insurance returns or damaged stock. 2006 includes Telefónica O2 Czech Republic for the first time.

In the UK, a number of initiatives have contributed to more handsets being recycled in 2006, including an increased focus on selling refurbished handsets, better customer communications, and improved data measurement and reporting.

In Germany our jointly branded initiative with the World Wild Fund For Nature helped to increase the collection of redundant phones.

In Ireland we decided in early 2007 to change our recycling partner to REDEEM, which will help us to ensure that we are compliant with the European Commission Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. REDEEM has its own warehouse in Ireland.

In all our markets, recycling schemes are linked to a charity partner or environmental cause. Targeted funds of £5 per recycled handset went to Weston Spirit in the UK; the Mighty Oak Appeal in the Isle of Man; the World Wide Fund For Nature in Germany, and the National Tree Council for Ireland.

In the UK we continue to use the Fonebak service. 

We continue to emphasise the importance of recycling to employees and encourage them to involve their friends and families. In 2006 we placed new phone recycling boxes in our UK offices.

 

^a This number does not include of redundant handsets recovered by other routes, for example insurance returns or damaged stock.

 

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