Cell phone waste – A Global Challenge

Author: Ajay Rohera

So you bought a new cell phone? What about the old one? As it was the old model so you threw it away right? But have you every thought that your old cell phone is harming the environment in a big way?

As per global consultancy Deloitte, by the end of year 2012 there will be over 8000 ton of cell phone waste on earth. What are the reasons of this growing danger? let’s have a look at some of them:

• Rapid change in technique and design prompt the people to change the phone frequently.
• Unavailability of recycle system.
• Disinterest towards repairing of old or out of order phones.

As per the assumptions between the years 2008 to 2012 there will be 9% growth in the cell phone waste. 80% out of this waste is harmful.

In Asia, Europe and US, 65% mobile users change their handsets once in two years generating 100 million waste cell phones.

Steps needs to be taken fast to control this problem which includes availability of recycling system, encouragement for repairing of cell phones etc.