Hidden riches fulfill their intended role.
In an innovative approach to environmental protection and insect conservation, Telefónica Deutschland Group and a Nature Conservation Association have joined forces to facilitate the collection and responsible recycling of used mobile phones. This collaboration aims to prevent electronic waste from harming ecosystems and support conservation efforts by protecting insect habitats from pollution and resource depletion caused by improper disposal of electronics.
The partnership, which focuses on circular economy practices, reuses and recycles over 96% of Telefónica's electronic waste, contributing to sustainability goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By recycling old mobile phones, the project seeks to save resources that would otherwise need to be mined extensively, thereby reducing the demand for mining and manufacturing processes that can damage natural habitats.
The Nature Conservation Association benefits from the proceeds of old mobile phone recycling and reuse, with Telefónica annually donating a fixed amount based on the number of collected phones to the insect protection fund. This fund supports various projects aimed at safeguarding insect species and their habitats potentially threatened by heavy metals and toxins in discarded mobile phones.
The project has already gained significant support from Telefónica employees, who have collected old mobile phones from their departments, families, and acquaintances. Yvonne Janssen, from the Building Management Office, leads the action, sorts the devices, and organizes transport to the recycling collection point. Janssen expressed that the project contributes to environmental protection.
Harald Vieten, the initiator of the project, expressed gratitude to all employees who supported the action. He emphasized that the project's goal is to recycle old mobile phones, benefit the insect world, and support the circular economy.
The next collection action in Rhein-Kreis Neuss is planned for the beginning of the new year. Details about the event will be released soon, with the aim to support a good cause and continue the mission of environmental protection and insect conservation through mobile phone recycling.
- Yvonne Janssen, from the Building Management Office, sorting the collected mobile phones, explained that her action contributes to the project's goal of environmental protection.
- With the proceeds from old mobile phone recycling and reuse, the Nature Conservation Association funds projects aimed at safeguarding insect species and their habitats impacted by heavy metals and toxins in discarded mobile phones.
- As part of their commitment to the circular economy and responsible consumption, the partnership between Telefónica Deutschland Group and the Nature Conservation Association focuses on recycling old gadgets like smartphones, conserving environmental-science, and saving resources that would otherwise be harvested through extensive mining.
