November 2006
The theoretical recycling ability of Nokia mobile devices ranges from 65 to 80 percent
You might wonder what happens to all the old mobile phones out there. Where do they go? Currently most end up in people’s desk drawers, sitting there useless. The next most likely answer is that phones are often given to others or traded in for an upgrade. In today’s reality, recycling old phones is not such a common practice. This is something we are attempting to change.
Take-back
Nokia supports the concept of individual producer responsibility. In order for us to carry out our own responsibilities we need others in the value chain, like consumers and retailers, to commit to bring back obsolete mobile devices for responsible recycling. Such co-operation eventually leads to a situation where significant drivers for environmentally optimized product desing enabling easier recycling would become commonplace, bringing further benefits for consumers, producers and the environment.
We are expanding the global availability and accessibility of takeback channels to our customers. We are also committed to continually driving visibility and awareness on this issue wherever we do business. We are currently developing awareness-building programs that fit into existing recycling infrastructure and local culture norms as well as pending local legal requirements.
We want to make it easier for people to recycle their unwanted mobile devices and are investing in a number of different areas to make this happen.
Throughout this year we will be running a major training and awareness program designed to ensure that those working in care centers operated on behalf of Nokia take back unwanted devices and can advise consumers on recycling issues. We are also investing in putting more take back bins and collection points at these care centers.
To help us understand what else still needs to be done we are conducting research with consumers in many markets around the world looking at attitudes to recycling mobile devices, incentives and how we can make it easier for people to get involved in take back programs. This will inform our recycling programs going forward.
There's still a lot in an old phone
Old phones might seem worthless but they still contain many usable and valuable materials. Nokia’s idea is to make it easier for consumers to act green by offering the possibility to return old, unused phones and accessories. Authorized Nokia Service Points, flagship stores, municipal collections, industry association's collections, or retailers' campaigns are all possible channels for returning used products.
Find the take back point nearest to you
Though we are not in the recycling business, we understand the need to cooperate with partners who specialize in this industry. Collected products are forwarded to selected recyclers for reclaiming. Recyclers we use comply with Nokia standards and are assessed by us on a regular basis.
Equipment sold via networks is traceable with recycling possibilities included in the commercial contracts. We have offered this service since 1999.
Refurbishment
We are currently investigating, from an environmental and business angle, the refurbishment process of used mobile phones. As a major manufacturer, it is in both our best interests and that of our consumers to bring some clarity and quality assurance to an area of the market that has been left largely undefined.
A pilot project started in 2006 is:
- studying current refurbishment structures
- determining its processes such as work needed, time and necessary quality assurance systems
- defining the real value of a used phone, as both a whole component and its parts
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An example of current efforts in the US is that pre-addressed, postage-paid envelopes will be included in sales packs, providing customers with an easy method for returning used products for recycling, at no cost to them. The consumer simply places the contents in the bag and then puts it in their mailbox. All brands are welcome for return.
Basic principles in managing obsolete Nokia devices
Nokia applies the precautionary principle in all cases when dealing with unsorted electronic waste. In post-consumer collection the composition of collected products and materials is verified by professional pre-treatment. Analyzed obsolete materials that are sorted into fractions are not considered hazardous waste for example by the European Union. In the European Waste Catalogue mobile devices and their components are considered as a non-hazardous entry. Examples include Lithium Ion, Lithium Polymer, Nickel Metal Hydride batteries (EWC 160605), mobile devices and their components (EWC 160214 or 200136) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) (EWC 160216).
Note that liquid crystal displays in Nokia devices do not contain mercury and all device cover plastics are free of flame retardants. Since 2006 all Nokia devices have globally been compliant with EU RoHS requirements (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr6+, PBB and PBDE) and in addition beryllium oxide and PVC free.
Basic principles in managing recycling vendors
For the recycling of obsolete mobile devices and batteries, Nokia selects companies audited through its set of Requirements for Service Providers. In addition to fulfilling legal requirements and good operational practices, Nokia assesses how eco-efficient are a company's recycling processes and the down-stream flow it utilizes.
