The Environmental Impact of Smartphones and How to Mitigate It
Smartphones have become the most widely used consumer electronic device, with approximately 4.5 billion in use last year. Despite the huge number already in circulation, smartphone manufacturers continue to release new models every year, and consumer demand remains high.
With this, it’s worth questioning the environmental effects of smartphones. How much do they contribute to global emissions? And what environmental damage occurs before and after a phone reaches consumers?
CO2 Emissions and Toxic Components
In their 2022 Technology, Media, and Telecommunications report, Deloitte estimated that smartphones were responsible for generating 146 million tons of CO2 or equivalent emissions (CO2e). Moreover, the internal parts of smartphones often contain toxic metals, which can make their disposal challenging.
However, pinpointing the exact environmental impact of a single smartphone can be complex, as it involves many stages of production. It’s clear, though, that manufacturing a new smartphone is far more environmentally harmful than using one.
The Production Process and Emissions
According to Paul Lee, head of research at Deloitte, the majority of a smartphone’s lifetime emissions come from its production, including the mining of raw materials, assembling components, and shipping the final product. This means that consumers looking to minimize their environmental footprint should use their phones for as long as possible before replacing them.
Of the smartphone emissions in 2022, an estimated 83% were linked to the production of 1.4 billion new devices. A typical new smartphone generates around 85 kilograms of emissions in its first year, with only 5% attributed to actual use.
Resource Extraction and Manufacturing Challenges
The extraction of raw materials needed for smartphone production often occurs in conflict-ridden regions, posing additional challenges. Essential components are required in small quantities but are crucial, adding friction to the production process.
Additionally, the energy costs of manufacturing are significant. For instance, maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels in semiconductor plants accounts for up to 30% of their operational expenses.
Sustainability Claims by Smartphone Makers
Apple claims that the iPhone 13 Pro has a lower carbon footprint than many other phones, emitting 69 kg of CO2 over its lifecycle. One factor contributing to this is the longevity of Apple’s software updates, which support devices released as far back as 2017, allowing consumers to use their devices longer.
Similarly, Samsung has started offering up to five years of security updates for select Galaxy models, helping prolong their usability. By extending the life of smartphones, fewer new devices need to be manufactured, reducing their overall environmental impact.
The Role of Trade-Ins and Repair
Trading in or repair of old phones is another way to reduce environmental harm. Many mobile carriers offer trade-in programs, where used phones are resold, extending their life cycle and reducing the demand for new devices. These programs are beneficial for both the environment and carriers, as they encourage further consumer spending.
Recycling Smartphones
When a smartphone has truly reached the end of its life, many components can still be recycled. For example, around 80% of a phone’s materials can be repurposed, including valuable metals like gold, silver, and platinum. 3rd party repair stores like our business can also repurpose parts like cameras, frames, screens and other small parts to rejuvenate another device. In Australia, phone recycling programs have seen success, with an estimated recycling rate of 32% in 2022. Technology for smartphone recycling is improving.
A Sustainable Smartphone Future
Paul Lee is optimistic that the smartphone industry is becoming more sustainable. As new phones show fewer dramatic changes between models, consumers may feel less pressure to upgrade. This shift could lead to longer phone lifespans with repair instead of costly upgrades while reducing emissions and the environmental toll of manufacturing.
In conclusion, while the environmental impact of smartphones is significant, efforts are being made to reduce it through extended device lifespans by repairing, recycling, and trade-in programs. By holding onto our devices longer and supporting sustainable practices, we can help mitigate the damage.
