Recycling Mobile Phones

The 6 steps of recycling

Curious about how we turn old mobiles into new possibilities? Here's an insight into our recycler TES-AMM's process. As well as being highly efficient, this process provides a complete breakdown of chemical compounds. That means it prevents potentially damaging chemical compounds (such as dioxins and furans) from reforming and threatening the environment.

What happens - The recycling process






Step 1: Sorting

First, phones are dismantled and sorted into the following components: batteries (NiCad, NiMetHyd, Lithium Ion), printed circuit boards, handsets, chargers/accessories, plastics, metals and paper/cardboard packaging.

Step 2: Batteries

Batteries are sorted into their chemical types.  All lithium ion and nickel metal hydride (NiMetHyd) batteries are shipped to TES-AMM in Singapore where they're processed for cobalt, lithium and nickel.  All Nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries are shipped to KOBAR Ltd in South Korea where they are processed for nickel (to make stainless steel), cadmium (to make new batteries) and copper.

Step 3: Circuits

Circuit boards are stored and then shipped to TES-AMM in Singapore where they are processed for precious metals including gold, silver, copper and lead.

Step 4: Casings

Pure plastic handset casings with are sent to local plastics manufacturers Australian Composite Technology, who shreds and uses the plastic to produce composite plastic fence posts or to CloseTheLoop / EWood who shreds and uses the plastics to make plastic wood planks for garden beds/furniture

Step 5: Accessories and Mixed Plastics

Accessories and mixed plastics are processed by TES-AMM in Singapore. Here, they are shredded and the plastics are separated from the ferrous and non-ferrous metals for re-use. The plastics are used to make  shipping pallets and the metals sold on to manufacturers.

Step 6: Packaging

Packaging is separated into plastic and paper and sent to local recyclers for processing.