How Many Phones End Up as Waste Each Year — And What Can We Do About It?
Smartphones are an essential part of everyday life, but their rapid turnover has created a growing environmental problem. Every year, millions of perfectly usable phones are discarded — either thrown away, left unused in drawers, or replaced long before the end of their lifespan.
So how many phones actually end up as waste each year, and what can be done to reduce the impact?
How Many Phones Are Thrown Away Each Year?
Globally, the scale of phone waste is staggering. According to international e-waste reports:
- Over 5 billion mobile phones are estimated to be discarded worldwide every year
- Only a small percentage are properly recycled or reused
- In the UK alone, around 55 million unused phones are believed to be sitting in homes
Many of these devices are still working or only need minor repairs. Instead of being reused, they often end up contributing to the growing e-waste problem.
Why Phone Waste Is a Problem
Phones contain valuable materials such as gold, copper, lithium and cobalt. When devices are thrown away rather than reused, these materials are lost — and more must be mined to meet demand.
Manufacturing a single smartphone also produces a significant amount of carbon emissions, much of which comes from extracting and processing raw materials. Discarding phones early increases the environmental footprint of the tech industry.
Why So Many Phones Go to Waste
There are a few key reasons why phones are replaced so frequently:
- annual phone upgrade cycles
- minor performance slowdowns mistaken for failure
- battery degradation rather than full device failure
- new model launches encouraging upgrades
In many cases, a phone is replaced not because it no longer works, but because a newer model is available.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Phone Waste?
Reducing phone waste doesn’t require drastic changes — small, practical steps can make a big difference.
Use Phones for Longer
Modern smartphones are designed to last several years. Keeping a phone for an extra year or two significantly reduces its environmental impact.
Repair Instead of Replace
Battery replacements and screen repairs can often restore a phone to full usability. Fixing common issues is usually far more sustainable than buying new.
Buy Refurbished Devices
Choosing refurbished phones extends the life of existing devices and reduces demand for new manufacturing. Refurbished phones are tested, graded and ready for reuse, making them a practical alternative to new models.
Sell or Trade In Unused Phones
Phones left in drawers still have value. Selling them allows devices to be reused or recycled properly rather than wasted.
For example, if you have an old device you no longer use, you can check its value and sell your iPhone through Envirofone. This helps keep phones in circulation and ensures materials are recovered responsibly.
Recycle Responsibly
If a phone is beyond repair, responsible recycling ensures valuable materials are recovered and harmful components are disposed of safely.
The Role of Trade-In and Refurbishment
Trade-in and refurbishment services play an important role in reducing phone waste. Devices that are still usable can be refurbished and sold again, while those that aren’t can be dismantled for parts and materials.
This approach reduces landfill waste, lowers demand for new raw materials and gives phones a second life.
Small Changes, Big Impact
With billions of phones discarded each year, the cumulative impact of individual decisions matters. Using phones for longer, choosing refurbished devices and selling unused tech all help reduce waste.
By making more conscious choices about how we buy, use and dispose of smartphones, we can significantly cut down the number of phones that end up as waste each year.
