Over the past decade, the market for refurbished and used smartphones has grown rapidly worldwide. As of 2021, experts estimated that the global market was valued at USD 52.34 billion, and is expected to more than double by 2030.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between a refurbished and a used smartphone. While a refurbished unit might be second-hand, it doesn’t always have a previous owner. A refurbished smartphone can also be ex-demo or faulty stock that has been repaired. Refurbished phones also undergo a reconditioning process that restores the device to like-new condition, ensuring it is fully functional. While a used smartphone may have undergone the refurbishment process, the term ‘used’ simply refers to the device having had a previous owner.
The big difference between a used and refurbished smartphone is the peace of mind and guarantee. A refurbished device from a reputable retailer comes with a guarantee that the device has undergone the reconditioning process by a qualified technician. In Australia, refurbished phones also have to meet certain standards and guidelines. It’s also common for refurbished phones to come with guarantees, such as a warranty.
Whether you’re considering buying a refurbished phone or you’re looking to sell your phone to a refurbisher, it’s a great way to contribute to a circular economy and reduce the negative environmental impact of the smartphone industry. When a smartphone is refurbished, it helps cut down electronic waste and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. It also reduces the demand for new resources to be extracted, but what about phones that can’t be refurbished?
This article covers everything you need to know about phones that can’t be refurbished. This also includes whether they can be resold and how they cultivate a circular economy.
Can You Sell A Phone That Can’t Be Refurbished
There’s a massive market for selling older phone models to be refurbished, whether through official or third-party channels. While these phones don’t have to be in perfect condition, they still need to be repairable.
If you’re wondering if you can sell an old phone that can’t be restored for resale, the answer is yes. Many companies specialise in purchasing older, broken-down phones. Even if they’re irreparable, they can still have value.
It might take some searching, but some businesses will take in your old phone for cash or credit. For example, some carriers, like Telstra or Optus, have trade-in programs where you can return your old device (even if it can’t be refurbished) to receive a discount on a new one.
Some manufacturers also have programs where they’ll provide cash or credit to incentivise people to properly return and recycle their old devices. The manufacturer can then reuse any components and precious materials for newer devices.
There are also third-party businesses that will pay for damaged phones to reuse components for repairs. Selling a damaged phone, even if it can’t be repaired, is still more environmentally friendly than throwing it into a landfill.
What Unrefurbishable Phones Are Used For
Unrefurbishable phones still play a critical role in sustainable smartphone practices. While the phone can’t be resold and start a journey with a new owner, the materials and internal components can still be helpful.
Manufacturing a new phone requires several rare materials, including rare earth elements (REEs) and ‘conflict’ minerals. Conflict materials, like cobalt, are linked to child labour and dangerous working conditions.
These rare materials are also finite. Currently, extracting these resources can lead to:
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The destruction of habitat impacts the surrounding wildlife and ecosystems.
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Releases pollutants and waste into the environment, which can impact air, water, and soil quality.
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Can increase the risk of seismic activity in a region due to the use of hydraulic fracking to remove oil and gas.
The extraction of fossil fuel, which is usually the energy source for phone manufacturing, is also the primary cause of current climate change. Unrefurbished phones can play a multifaceted role in reducing these impacts. By recycling the materials used to create unrefurbished phones, manufacturers can reuse these materials instead of mining them. This also reduces the demand for new resource extraction as recycling becomes the new standard.
The components of an unrefurbished phone can also be useful for businesses when it comes to refurbishing other devices. Even if the device isn’t running/faulty, any undamaged components can be taken out to repair other phones. (E.g., replacing a dying battery). Trading in or selling a phone that can’t be refurbished offers more than just environmental benefits. The money (or store credit) that you receive can be put towards buying a new phone or accessories. Even if you aren’t buying a refurbished phone, recycling or selling your old device can help you save money.
The Contribution To A Circular Economy
A circular economy is a concept where materials are never wasted. Instead, products and their materials are constantly being put through circulation through reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling—hence the name ‘circular’ economy.
Currently, data shows the smartphone industry is one of the leading contributors to climate change. The extraction of raw materials is having a devastating impact on the environment, and the manufacturing + supply process is resulting in staggering amounts of CO2 emissions.
The National Waste Report 2022 reveals that out of all the waste generated in Australia, approximately 500,000 tonnes is electronic waste. Every year, only 54% of the e-waste produced is properly sent to recyclers, and only 35% of the materials inputs are recovered.
By selling your unrefurbishable phone, you’re still contributing to a circular economy. While your phone’s lifespan isn’t being extended, its components and materials can still be reused. Contributions to a circular economy include:
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Reducing electronic waste.
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Ensuring the phone and materials are properly recycled.
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Conserves natural resources by reducing the need to extract raw materials for new phone production (e.g., rare metals).
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Extends the life of the phone’s internal components.
Contributing to a circular economy ensures that the phone is properly recycled, reused or disposed of.
Buy The Latest Smartphones at OzMobiles
For great prices on the latest smartphones, shop at OzMobiles today. We pride ourselves on offering the best deals on refurbished models, and if you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10* (terms and conditions apply).
If you’re looking to sell your phone, we have a quick and easy online system. All you need to do is find your phone, send it in, and then you’ll receive cash in hand. Our quote process takes only 60 seconds, and it’s a great opportunity to get cash for your old device to put towards a new one.
Buying a refurbished phone from us or selling your old device to us contributes to a circular economy. You’re helping us with our mission of creating a greener Earth, one mobile phone at a time. Along with reducing electronic waste and carbon emissions, we also ensure that our packaging is 100% recyclable.
All the second-hand devices we sell, including our Samsung, Apple, and Google smartphones, go through a comprehensive refurbishment process. This restores the device to like-new condition and ensures it is running optimally.
Our devices also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. If you have any questions about our refurbishment process or would like assistance in finding the right device for you, please contact us today. Our team would love to help.
