Protect your privacy & the planet with secure data destruction
Mobile phones – fragments of our life encapsulated into one small hand-held device. The amount of sensitive, personal data captured on our phones is mind-boggling. Some of it we are not even aware of, which makes it even more concerning when the time comes to get a new one.
Every year, up to 250 million mobile phones worldwide are replaced by new models. According to research by Nokia, only 4% of users’ old mobiles are actually thrown away and even less are recycled. The vast majority (44%) are left at home and forgotten about.
In the UK, 15 million mobile phones are upgraded each year. Laid from end-to-end they would reach from John O’Groats to Lands End! (www.therecyclingfactory.com)
Do you have a drawer full of old devices? We’re all guilty – mainly because we worry about what will happen to the sensitive information they hold.
If this is you, you’re not alone. An estimated 85 million unused mobile phones exist in the UK, with 11% of people surveyed admitting they hoard five handsets at once! (Consumer Focus study)
What’s your mobile made of?
Ever wondered what’s in your mobile phone?
Researchers at Plymouth University have found that to make one phone it takes 10-15kg of ore to be mined including:
- 7kg of high-grade gold ore
- 1kg of typical copper ore
- 750g of typical tungsten ore
- 200g of typical nickel ore
As you can imagine, to supply enough raw materials for the amount of phones produced year-on-year means tech companies are mining tonnes of ore.
How does this impact the environment?
It is well documented that mining has a devastating impact on the environment. This includes the destruction of natural habitat, water and soil contamination, and the knock-on effects to people living in the local community.
Our appetite for the latest mobile phone model means ore grade is decreasing. Mines have become wider and deeper as a result, with increases in labour costs and unsafe working conditions.
Why recycle your mobile phone?
As you can see, inside your mobile phone there are valuable and rare metals. If your unused device is dealt with properly, those components can be extracted and used again – so don’t waste them! One phone recycled is one less that needs to be manufactured.
What can I do with my old mobile phone?
The good news is recycling unused mobile phones is on the increase. Mobile recycling companies will even pay you for the privilege. HOWEVER, this does not guarantee that your private, personal information is free from prying eyes.
The only way to ensure your device is wiped clear of all your personal information, like photos, video, sensitive info and messages, is to recycle your mobile phone with a reputable company [link] who provide you with a Certificate of Destruction.
How does it work?
Send and Destroy can recycle your mobile phone AND securely destroy all personal data contained within it.
Our service gives you peace of mind that you are doing your part to protect the planet and that your privacy is guaranteed throughout the process. We are also approved and accredited by the Environment Agency.
The service is easy to use. Simply visit our website Send and Destroy, choose the device/s you wish to recycle and destroy, and we will send you a Destruction Pack with all the necessary information you need to pack and send your devices to our facility.
Following the destruction and recycling of your devices, we send you a Certificate of Destruction to give you peace of mind that any confidential information retained on your device has been securely destroyed and recycled.
Send & Destroy director, Sam Mountain says, “We rarely think about how mobile phones are made. When people find out how many valuable metals are used and the impact this has on the environment, it’s a real eye-opener. Many of us are left feeling rather guilty when we think of the unused devices we have at home gathering dust.
“The good news is we can help. Send and Destroy offers a solution that mitigates two areas of concern: our personal info and security, and the environment. We’ve made this as simple as possible for people to use so recycling mobile phones in the future, in the right way, will become second nature.”
For more information about Send and Destroy contact us on hello@sendanddestroy.co.uk or visit our website www.sendanddestroy.co.uk
