More than five billion mobile phones around the world sit unused, a stark reminder that device recycling has not kept pace with the pace of tech adoption. A study backed by the GSMA, the global trade association that represents mobile operators, highlights this gap and points to a path forward for turning idle devices into valuable resources.
In response, GSMA has launched a collaborative project with the participation of telecom operators aimed at speeding up and simplifying the recycling of mobile devices. A coalition of twelve leading carriers has pledged to boost the number of return-to-recycle cases for cellular devices, signaling a concrete move toward circular practices within the industry.
The draft agreement maps out ambitious milestones for 2030. It envisions that the volume of used mobile devices collected through operator-led return programs will reach at least 20% of the quantity of new devices sold directly to customers. This target aligns with broader efforts to reduce waste and recover value from old handsets, driving environmental and economic benefits for markets across North America and beyond.
Additionally, the pledge includes a strong commitment that by 2030 every used mobile device collected under take-back programs will be repaired, reused, or donated for recycling. This approach ensures that devices do not simply end up in landfills but flow through repair and donation channels or are diverted toward refurbishing and material recovery initiatives.
According to GSMA estimates, properly recycled mobile phones could unlock substantial value. If five billion devices were processed responsibly, it could yield around $8 billion in recoverable minerals, including gold, palladium, silver, copper, and rare earth elements. Such material recovery would also sustain critical supply chains, providing the cobalt needed to manufacture tens of millions of electric vehicle batteries, a detail of growing importance to North American and Canadian manufacturers and policymakers pursuing sustainable energy strategies.
These efforts reflect a wider industry shift toward responsible e-waste management. In markets like Canada and the United States, where consumer electronics turnover is high and environmental regulations are stringent, moving to standardized recycling programs across carriers could simplify returns for consumers and businesses alike. The initiative underscores how collaboration among operators, manufacturers, and recycling partners can turn end-of-life devices into a resource rather than waste, supporting both environmental goals and tech innovation in the region.
While the path to 2030 is ambitious, the momentum from industry leaders, regulators, and environmental groups suggests a practical roadmap. By increasing take-back rates, expanding repair and refurbishment capacity, and strengthening material recovery, the telecom sector can contribute meaningfully to a circular economy while offering tangible benefits to customers who want greener, more responsible device life cycles.