MOBILE DEVICES: FIX, REUSE, & RECYCLE!

1Life Workplace Safety Solutions Environment Safety and News

 

Having an up to date and in working order mobile device can go a long way in keeping you on track and well organized in today’s workplace. Many employers make cell phones a workplace
requirement as they allow us to manage our time better and to work safer – keeping in contact with a supervisor, checking in when working alone, even reviewing and signing off on your
safety management systems! But when our mobile device stops working or is damaged, this can halt our productivity at work.

My Phone/Tablet Broke on the Job – Now What?

Have It Repaired!

Whether it is a software or a hardware problem, you can have a professional assess the damage and perform a repair. Companies such as Cell Mechanics offers fast turnaround on a variety of different internal and external problems, such as screen replacements, battery replacements, and charge port/headset jack replacements, etc. on many different brand name devices with a quick turnaround time.

Replace It with a Refurbished Phone!

If the damage is too severe, the phone may need to be replaced altogether. Cell Mechanics has a great stock of refurbished
phones at discounted prices. When you purchase a refurbished or second-hand phone, this saves the environment as well as your wallet! All used phones come with a 6 month warranty.

Did you know…?

Mobile devices contain over 25 different types of metals. Many of these are hazardous to the environment, meaning that they should not be disposed of in a landfill. Some of the materials you can find in a mobile device includes;

  • Aluminum (covers, frames, battery, circuit board)
  • Cobalt (lithium-ion battery)
  • Copper (circuit board, wires, connectors, batteries)
  • Gold (LEDs)
  • Lead (circuit board)
  • Nickel (battery)
  • Silver (circuit board, keypad)
  • Tin (circuit board)
  • Titanium (circuit board)
  • Tungsten (circuit board)
  • Zinc (circuit board)

Consumer Tip:
When shopping for a replacement phone, avoid buying second hand off the internet. This runs the risk of purchasing stolen or defective goods. Always buy from a reputable establishment like Cell Mechanics.

Top 5 Reasons to Recycle Old Phones:

  1. Phones contain hazardous materials that pose a danger when discarded incorrectly.
  2. Many devices have reusable or salvageable parts, including the precious metals inside.
  3. Your data may still be stored if you have not properly cleared it, leaving you vulnerable to hackers (many companies that recycle old phones will clear data for you).
  4. If there is a physical defect but the device is in working order, phones are often refurbished and sent across the world to be sold again. You can get paid for it!
  5. We already have too much e-waste in countries across the world!

How to Dispose of Your Old Phone?

You’ve replaced your broken device but didn’t trade it in. What do you do with the device? E-waste, or electronic waste, is becoming an international problem as more and more electronics are replaced (phones, TVs, monitors, computers, printers, etc.). Electronics have hazardous materials – when they are thrown into a landfill, these materials are leeched into the ground and surrounding area. Many repair shops will purchase old or damaged phones to refurbish, such as Cell Mechanics.

An alternative is to bring your e-waste to a facility that properly disposes or destroys the materials. Companies such as Urban Mine offer metal recycling facilities to ensure less e-waste ends up in our landfills.

Have questions? Contact your friendly 1Life Safety Consultants today!

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