Certification and standardized grading can bring much-needed transparency to the refurbished device market, according to the CEO of Phonecheck. | Daniel-Krason/Shutterstock
I used to run a business that acquired and sold pre-owned mobile devices. It was a great model – we could buy less-than-perfect phones and other devices inexpensively, and with a little effort and elbow grease, sell them for a bit more.
Phonecheck’s robotic system automates parts of the grading process, speeding it up significantly and eliminating subjectivity. | Courtesy of Phonecheck
A company that provides used phone history reports has formally launched a robot that automatically grades a device’s cosmetic condition, performs diagnostics and erases data.
Researchers evaluated 1,003 life cycle reports from various manufacturers to determine the amount of carbon dioxide emissions created during the life span of products. | Maxx-Studio/Shutterstock
To help cut growing greenhouse gas emissions from electronics, researchers are suggesting extending the life spans of devices.
T-Mobile USA alleges Belmont Trading owes it millions of dollars in revenue from the sales of T-Mobile’s reusable and end-of-life devices. | DCStockPhotography/Shutterstock
One of the largest wireless carriers in the country filed suit against its phone resale and recycling vendor, claiming it has been shortchanged $6.6 million.
The average age of a U.S. consumer’s trade-in smartphone is now over 3.5 years. | Stock Rocket/Shutterstock
Consumers are keeping their smartphones for longer than ever before, with the average age of a phone at turn-in surpassing 3.5 years.
Samsung operates an e-scrap collection system in 50 countries. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
Samsung’s environmental strategy includes a focus on circularity, using recycled materials and collecting more e-scrap.
Draft European regulations propose that mobile devices should include scratch resistance, protection from dust and water, resistance to accidental drops, battery longevity and the capacity to be disassembled and repaired. | ETgohome/Shutterstock
The European Commission is requesting feedback on draft regulations for designing mobile phones and tablets to be more environmentally friendly, including the issue of recyclability.
Apple plans to appeal a Brazillian Justice Ministry’s decision to fine the company for not including power chargers with iPhones sold in the country. | dan.nikonov/Shutterstock
In response to Apple’s decision not to include chargers with newly purchased phones by default, Brazil again fined the company and then banned the sale of iPhones if they do not include a power adapter.
Nokia has launched a subscription service that incentivizes people to keep their phones for longer using a range of rewards. | OleksSH/Shutterstock
Nokia is adding more recycled material to some of its devices and urging customers to use its Circular subscription service to hold on to phones longer.
Jewelry makers are trying to source enough material to keep up with demand for recycled metal in their products. | corollas/Shutterstock
Jewelry made from recycled gold and silver is becoming more popular, especially among younger consumers.