Mobile recycling levels still amazingly low

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Mobile phone manufacturers need to take their environmental responsibilities more seriously and face a long road ahead to become green, according to IDC.

The analyst firm has conducted research to rank mobile makers in their efforts to recycle, but was shocked to discover that the manufacturers regard a 10 per cent recycling rate as good enough.

“Given the ubiquity of mobile phones around the globe, it is critical for the manufacturers of these devices to demonstrate their corporate responsibility by working toward greener phones that simplify safe and proper disposal and even reuse of the billions of mobile phones in the market,” said IDC.

However, it did unveil the top five companies and the efforts that were bring made, judging them on packaging, materials, energy, end of line programme and overall sustainability efforts.

The top five manufacturers were Apple, LG, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. Apple was praised for influencing its supply chain to go green, whilst LG won marks for its power management techniques, such as solar chargers.

Nokia was applauded for its materials, as between 65 and 80 per cent of one of its handsets could be recycled, Sony Ericsson was recognised for its efforts in cutting packaging and Samsung won acclaim for its reduction of hazardous materials.

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