There’s nothing quite like owning the latest smartphone, but what should you do with your old phone once you’ve upgraded? The last thing you want to do is throw it in the trash!
If you’re not gifting or selling it, make sure you aren’t just chucking it in the bin! In South Africa, about 20 to 22 million people use a smartphone so recycling your old device is the best thing to do for the environment. But where can you recycle your smartphone in South Africa?
Here are 5 easy ways to get rid of your old mobiles safely and avoid it becoming a toxic hazard to the environment:
1. Convenient E-Waste Bins at Makro
Working in partnership with Samsung Electronics SA and Desco Electronic Recyclers, Makro has made recycling easy. You can drop off your old phone at any of the e-waste bins available at 18 stores nationwide. There’s no need to fill in any paperwork or receive permission to use the service. Makro adheres to waste management regulations, meaning any component that is not suitable for recycling will be disposed of safely.
2. Recycling Made Accessible Through Samsung
Aside from their Makro sites, Samsung offers the same service in store. If you’re looking to recycle your Samsung phone or any other eligible brand, head to your nearest Samsung store where it will be evaluated for refurbishment or recycling or go online to arrange a courier to collect your device.
3. Apple’s Proven Recycling Programme
Apple’s recycling programme is well-established and has an impressive track record of reducing e-waste. Just pop into your nearest Apple store with your phone and they will send your old iPhone to their recycling partner free of charge. Even better, if you have a newer iPhone model you could qualify for a refurbishment which means you’ll be able to trade it in for store credit.
4. weFix Makes Recycling Hassle-Free
Electronics repair shop weFix has committed to reducing e-waste through the use of recycling bins in 35 of its stores around the country. They have branches in all major cities, making it easy to pop into a store and drop off your old or broken phone. Like Apple and Samsung, weFix offers the option of refurbishment through an online assessment, which is followed by a courier collecting your device, free of charge, for inspection.
5. Your Local Shopping Mall
If you’re still struggling to recycle your phone, you can always head to any major mall around SA and ask the help desk for guidance. They will direct you to the electronic retailers in the mall that may have recycling bins. You can also find recycling bins at select municipal drop-off points.
Be sure to recycle through trusted companies only because they follow strict guidelines that are environmentally safe and ethical. And remember, before you recycle your phone, delete all your personal information to prevent your private details from being accessed!
