Guide to smartphone pollution and how you can reduce your environmental impact

The number of smartphone owners worldwide reached approximately 4.3 billion people in late 2023, which is 54% of the global population. 4.6 million people use the mobile internet, of whom:

• Nearly 4 billion people access it using a smartphone (49% of the global population)
• 600 million people access it using a feature phone (8% of the global population)

With these figures likely to grow as smartphones become more accessible for a greater number of people, this technology is bound to have an impact on the planet. But how much? And what can we do about it?

The carbon footprint of smartphone use

Research suggests the annual carbon emissions from using a smartphone range from 63kg (for one hour of use per day over the year) to 90kg (for 10 hours of use per day over the year).

A report by Reboxed notes that many of these emissions come from elements we might not automatically think of, such as running servers, running air conditioning for the servers, and running broadband networks. They also estimate that a one-minute call between two mobile phones produces between 50 and 60g of carbon.

These are smaller figures than the ones we’ve seen so far, but quickly add up when you remember 4.3 billion people use a smartphone. Most people will use them for far longer than one minute, too. A 2024 survey found:

• 50% of respondents check their phone first thing in the morning
• 27% use their phone for an hour or less per day
• 24% use their phone for between one and two hours per day
• 5% of Millennials use their phone for over 10 hours per day

How to reduce your e-waste impact

Information about the impact of smartphones can be overwhelming. Luckily, there are several things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint in this area.

Reduce your usage

There’s no escaping that for many, if not most people, smartphones are a big part of daily life. We can pay for goods and services, store bus and train tickets (eliminating the need for paper), keep up with friends and family via social media and video calls, in addition to standard calls and messages, and so much more, all with a relatively small device.

However, we also know that using a smartphone leads to carbon emissions. The most simple way to reduce these is to cut down on how much you use your device, although this may be easier said than done. It’s about finding a balance.

Reducing usage doesn’t just concern screen time, though. Using your existing phone for longer is also a big part of it:

• Don’t automatically upgrade your device as soon as you’re able to. If your current smartphone is still working well you can keep it in circulation for longer. It’s thought that if every phone sold this year was used for a third longer, we’d prevent carbon emissions equivalent to Ireland’s annual emissions.
• Try not to get swept up by new product announcements and adverts. The difference between one smartphone model and the next isn’t always huge. Chances are you’ll save time and money by simply keeping the phone you already have until you need a replacement.
• Take out a SIM-only contract. A SIM-only contract is a deal where you get a SIM card but not a mobile phone. You pay a monthly fee in return for minutes for calls, texts, and a data allowance. It’s useful if you already have a device but want a better deal. You only upgrade when you truly need to.
• Send texts instead of calling. Texting uses fewer carbon emissions than phone calls.
• If you’re wary about buying a used phone, choose a new modular phone instead. Modular phones are designed so each part can be replaced when it breaks, instead of you replacing the entire device.

Most phones have an average lifespan of two years, thanks to contracts and upgrades, but this can be increased with SIM-only contracts and a repair-first mindset.

Repair your phone

Decades ago, appliances were created with the idea that they could be repaired if anything went wrong. But businesses figured out that if something broke and couldn’t be repaired, the consumer was likely to buy a new one, making them more money. It became more difficult to repair devices as a result.

But the tide is turning. We now have a greater understanding of sustainability, and with the cost of living crisis people are reluctant to buy something new when a device breaks. In many cases it could be fixed for less.

Look at what repairs are possible if your phone isn’t working properly. There might be an easy, relatively inexpensive way to fix what’s wrong. For example, screens can be repaired, with specialist shops now commonplace on the UK high street. Phone batteries can often be replaced by professional refurbishers when their lifespan has shortened to the detriment of the user.

Recycle

A large proportion of smartphone components can be recycled and reused: up to 80% in some instances. Here’s how to recycle an old device:

• Donate it to charity. For example, you can donate an old smartphone to Oxfam via their shops and they’ll wipe the data before selling it, or send it to be safely recycled.
• Trade it in to be refurbished. Many refurbished tech sites allow you to trade in your old device for a discount on a refurbished one.
• Send it to an online reseller. You’ll make a little money and the device will be passed on to a good home.
• If your phone is broken and can’t be refurbished, you can recycle it at your local recycling centre. Do this as soon as possible, when more components can be used.

Take the first step in minimising your smartphone’s impact on the environment by comparing SIM-only deals today.