How many old phones are there that collect dust in drawers? (Credit: Getty Images)

Mobile phones are an integral part of our lives, but they are regularly updated and the dust of old technology remains in our drawers.

You may want to dispose of your old device with the rest of the junk, but this is a big mistake.

Smartphones and other electronic devices contain materials and items that should not be disposed of in landfills.

Green Redeem UK said:

“With the proper recycling of mobile phones, all of this potentially hazardous substance can be safely recovered and reused.”

If you can’t sell or transfer your old phone, you should recycle it responsibly.

According to the trade website musicMagpie, the UK alone generates more than 133,141 tonnes of electronic waste each month. Weight equivalent to more than 70,000 junked cars.

nokia mobile phone

Mobile phones contain potentially dangerous substances and should be handled responsibly (credit: Shutterstock).

Sam Wessie, director of sustainability for the group musicMagpie, said:

“Preserving old equipment seems to be the best solution, but its value decreases and it becomes obsolete, increasing the chance of it being landfilled as e-waste.

“When we ask the general public about the problem of e-waste, 79% are unaware of e-waste and almost a third do not believe it is harmful to the environment.

“Obviously more to educate the public about the e-waste problem and the small changes we can all make to prevent unused technology from harming landfills. It needs to.”

How can I recycle my old phone?

Most household waste centers have a department for electrical appliances, including mobile phones.

Recycling centers often have a separate section for older electronics.  (Credit: Reuters)

Recycling centers often have a separate section for older electronics. (Credit: Reuters)

Alternatively, you can earn extra money by shopping at the phone store.

For example, the Apple Store recycles old cell phones and tablets and you receive a shopping card with the value of your cell phone. For example, a well-conditioned iPhone 5 now opens at 25:00.

Many phone stores will get them for recycling, so when you buy a new one, ask if they have a plan.

Many charities also take calls. Oxfam allows you to put your smartphone in the store. If you have 5 or more, you will receive them by courier.

Make sure to delete your personal data before turning on your old phone.

To do this, you typically do the following:[設定]->[バージョン情報]->[電話機を工場出荷時の設定にリセット]..