When you buy a new smartphone, you are far from contemplating how irresponsible disposal of electronics is hurting our environment. The excitement for new devices, fresh technology, and everything else hinders the pressing situation: What do we do with the old phone?
These days, they are so easily replaceable. Most people prefer to upgrade their current mobile every three years or so when a newer model comes out. More than 5.78 billion people have smartphones across the world, and many of them stick to the triennial upgrade cycle.
It has become critically important to learn the responsible way to get rid of old phones so that it doesn’t hurt the environment.
Also read: How Cashify Complies With E-Waste Management Rules
The Menace Of Growing Electronic Waste!
Electronic waste is rapidly growing and causing the most problems in waste disposal across the world. It includes printers, computers, televisions, mobiles, etc. Most e-waste globally isn’t handled in an environmentally conscious way.
In 2025, the world generated a staggering 68 million metric tons of e-waste. The heap would be as tall as 17 Eiffel Towers!
A Toxic Cocktail:
Imagine having a glass of water. But there’s an invisible cocktail of lead, mercury, arsenic, and chromium in it. These are all toxic chemicals that slowly accumulate in our bodies. Eventually, they cause life-threatening conditions. They even enter the body through the food chain. How? These chemicals are also present in the e-waste we generate. When dumped with other waste, they end up in landfills. They slowly leach into the soil and groundwater. As a consequence, they contaminate the entire ecosystem.
This is exactly how irresponsible disposal of electronics is hurting our environment. Plants absorb these toxins, ultimately finding their way into our food chain, putting human health at risk.
Current Recycling Status
Across the planet, only fifteen to twenty per cent of electronic waste goes through the recycling process. Also, recycling methods vary inconsistently between countries.
Across the planet, only about 20% of electronic waste goes through the recycling process. The recycling methods vary inconsistently between countries. The need for laws regulating e-waste has been long overdue. Fortunately, countries are now recognising the urgency of the issue. India’s e-waste management rules were updated in 2023 and 2024. It expanded Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets and refrigerant management guidelines. With over 1.6 billion new mobile phone models sold annually, finding a solution to this critical problem is imperative.
What Can We Do About The E-Waste Problem?
Now that we know how irresponsible disposal of electronics is hurting our environment, it is time to see what can be done from our end. Sometimes, people throw their used mobiles in the dustbin. These old devices then end up in landfills, which later decay and start to toxify the soil and, hence, by extension, the environment. Annually, this results in a monetary loss of approximately fifty-five billion dollars, as responsibly disposing of the phones could have otherwise allowed the extraction of precious metals.
Opting for a mobile repair over replacement can extend the life of our smartphones. Also, having the sensibility to choose sustainable and ethically sourced electronics, like to buy refurbished mobile phone instead of a new one, is a crucial first step. By having an approach that things can be fixed and refurbished devices are as good as new ones, we can make a positive impact in reducing e-waste.
Also Read: Donate Stationery In Cashify Reuse Campaign: Pen The Progress!
Cashify’s Stance On Reducing E-Waste & Your Role!
You can sell old phones on Cashify if you are worried about responsible handling.
Refurbishing and Reselling:
Cashify breathes new life into used electronics by refurbishing them to meet stringent quality standards. These refurbished devices are then resold at affordable prices, extending their lifespan and diverting them from landfills. They also come with plenty of benefits like quality checks, warranty, and replacement services as well. In 2025, Cashify’s buyback market has seen significant growth. It promotes repairability and resale as the first line of defense against e-waste.
Responsible Recycling:
For devices beyond repair, Cashify partners with authorised e-waste recyclers who ensure safe and responsible dismantling and processing of materials. Plastic and precious metals are then collected and disposed of in a way that limits environmental pollution or sold to smelting operations.
Through its Bulk Consumer Programme, Cashify provides structured solutions for large-scale organisations. It creates cohesive e-waste management for offices, schools, universities, hospitals, hotels, retailers, banks, and so on. Get more details on the e-waste policy page.
Cashify’s responsible disposal of old devices enables the extraction of maximum value before discarding them in an ecologically sensible manner.
Also read: Ways In Which Recycling Helps Our Environment
Therefore, environmentally responsible citizens should actively pursue well-equipped recycling companies such as Cashify. These companies resell mobile phones after the refurbishment process, offering the device a second life. The goal of addressing this issue drove Cashify. Additionally, our doorstep pickup service ensures the easy and safe disposal of old devices.
Tips To Extend The Life Span Of Your Current Device!
As a customer who is conscious of the e-waste crisis, it becomes our duty not just to opt for sustainable products but also to use our devices to the best of their capabilities. Smartphones that are coming into the market these days offer amazing functionalities, regular updates, and whatnot. By making sure that we are using our current devices as long as we can, we can actually make an impact.
We need to realise that we don’t have to change our smartphones just because there is a new model. Almost every company these days provides updates for at least five years. Some flagships even extend it to seven years, like Samsung and Google.
So, it doesn’t make sense to get rid of your old devices for a newer model unless it’s a significant upgrade. By doing this, it will save you money and contribute to solving the e-waste crisis as well.
Wrapping Up
Now that we are aware of how irresponsible disposal of electronics is hurting our environment, let’s make 2025 the year we break the cycle. Turn the tide on e-waste and ensure that our technological marvels leave a legacy of responsible innovation, not toxic devastation. Our planet and our future generations depend on it.
We would also like to encourage our readers to actively participate in activities that promote sustainability. Collective action can take us a long way in dealing with he e-waste crisis.
Do you think refurbished smartphones can have a significant impact on reducing e-waste generation? Do share your thoughts in the comments!
Looking to upgrade to a better phone? We have a smart solution for you. Buy refurbished mobile phones at almost half price from Cashify. They come backed with a six-month warranty and 15-day replacement policy. Check out refurbished mobile phone sale now!
