Features

A new study has found that around 50% of gold used mobile phones is not recovered for future use. But by improving the recycling of precious metals, increasing the lifespan of handsets and getting better at collecting phones after use, a global circular economy could be created. Researchers say these changes will reduce pressures on non-renewable resources and close ‘metal flow loops’

An ever-increasing amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste) is discarded by consumers around the world. Mobile phones make up a substantial amount of that waste, driven by consumer demand for the latest technological innovations and products that are designed to have a limited lifespan.

Sue Evans is head of development at the Central Scotland Green Network – and co-author of Growing Awareness.
She  explains how central Scotland is developing a ‘green’ consciousness for sustainable social and economic development