As mobile phone consumers take advantage of the continuously rapid advancement of technology by upgrading their handsets to the latest devices, literally millions of used mobile phones are left lying around unused throughout the UK.
Unfortunately, this has led to an increasing problem in waste management as e-waste, which consists of mobile phones, computers and televisions are being dumped into landfills, which cause a variety of problems. The UK in particular has been particularly ineffective at dealing with increasing e-waste.
Not only do phones take up precious space in landfills but mobile phone batteries can often leak harmful chemicals including lead, mercury and cadmium into the landfills where they could eventually find their way into water supplies.
One of the most effective and environmentally friendly solutions is to trade your old mobile phone for cash or as a donation to charity. In response, Bristol Zoo has launched a scheme in which their customers can help save the gorillas by recycling their mobile phones.
Coltan , a mineral found in the Congo Basin of South Africa which is home to the lowland gorilla is used in the production of many mobile handsets. A large number of trees are cut down in the process of producing Coltan, diminishing the habitat of the already critically endangered lowland gorilla.
Bristol Zoo hopes to reduce the amount of Coltan necessary by endorsing mobile phone recycling.
Considering the mutual benefits for all involved – it’s easy to see why.
