Pune: In a recent survey, it was found that in Pune, when upgrading a smartphone, only 9 per cent of users would consider recycling their old phones, while 28 per cent would prefer selling their old phones.
The survey also revealed that 64 per cent of smartphone users in Pune would recycle their old phone for cash. Only 10 per cent are willing to recycle their outdated devices to save the environment.
The survey was conducted by 91mobiles.com, a gadget discovery website. The survey covered the entire country to understand phone recycling habits of smartphone users and saw participation from over 15,000 smartphone users.
The survey underlined that although 62 per cent of smartphone users in Pune are aware of the environmental benefits of phone recycling, only 8 per cent are ready to recycle to save the environment.
Nitin Mathur, co-founder and CEO, 91Mobiles.com, said outdated mobile phones add up to 65,000 tonnes of electronic garbage each year globally. “With new smartphones hitting the market on a daily basis, it is imperative to tell people how they can recycle their unwanted smartphones in an environment-friendly and safe way,” said Mathur.
He added, “We hope to convert 62 per cent smartphone users in Pune, who are aware of the environmental hazards of e-waste but have not considered e-recycling, into conscious citizens recycling their old smartphones readily. Hence, we are trying to educate people on the harm caused by e-waste and help them find platforms to recycle or sell their unwanted products, through our Pledge to Recycle initiative,” said Mathur.
Further, over 3/4th of smartphone users in Pune have not even thought about recycling their outdated mobile phones. Around 24 per cent gave their old phones to someone else, while the rest have kept their old phones, either for sentimental value or just as a spare at home.
Mathur said e-waste is a growing threat to the environment with smartphones being a major contributor.
“Global statistics reflect that two million tonnes of e-waste is contributed by India alone. Among Indian states, Maharashtra generates the most e-waste, which is around 3.96 lakh tonnes. However, only 47,810 tonnes is recycled as per a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM). Pune still lacks a concrete policy to handle the increasing e-waste menace as per another report,” said Mathur.
The survey also highlighted that over 55 per cent smartphone users in Pune have at least three unused smartphones. Another 12 per cent have over 5 unused smartphones lying around.
