Smartphones have become essential tools in our daily lives, seamlessly enabling how we work, entertain ourselves, and interact with others. With over 1.34 billion devices sold globally in 2022 alone, the question of what happens to these phones after their initial use is increasingly critical. Despite the significant number of smartphones re-entering the market, a staggering number remainout side formal recovery programs, leaving hundreds of millions of devices unaccounted for in resale and recycling. This is not a new phenomenon, and the cumulative effect of this problem is mounting at a truly mind-blowing rate. The good news is this is an inherently solvable problem and one that has solutions to turn the tide.

Platforms fill a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing efficient mechanisms for device resale and recycling

In this paper, we explore the current state of smartphone recycling and refurbishment,highlighting the roles played by manufacturers, telecom carriers, and online marketplaces in promoting a circular economy. We highlight the urgent need for improved takeback programs, consumer incentives, and enhanced data on device compatibility to increase the number of phones processed through formal channels and reduce electronic waste.

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