Beyondly contributes to WWF/Vodafone’s Fast Phones: Practical solutions to address the UK’s mobile phone e-waste challenge
Do you have an old phone sitting in a drawer at home? You’re not alone. A recent report commissioned by WWF and Vodafone estimates there are 12 million unused mobile phones stored indefinitely in UK homes, representing a valuable pool of resources. Beyondly was proud to support this work, offering insight from our compliance and collection expertise to help develop practical, system-level solutions to reduce mobile phone waste and promote circularity.
While the report acknowledges the environmental pressures of our 'fast phone' culture, where rapidly evolving tech and short life spans contribute to rising e-waste volumes, the report focuses on proactive recommendations. Drawing on input from stakeholders across the supply chain, including Beyondly, it sets out a clear and actionable pathway to unlock reuse, refurbishment, and responsible recycling of mobile phones.
The report recognises that shifting away from a linear, throwaway approach requires overcoming barriers and increasing confidence and reliability in the system for both consumers and businesses. To support this, it outlines a range of recommendations:
1. Make returns easy, secure, and visible
Consumers need safe, convenient, and trustworthy options for returning their old devices. This includes:
- Widespread return schemes with drop-off points in retail, local authority, and telecom settings
- Clear guidance on how to wipe data from devices to address privacy concerns
- Certified handling protocols to reassure consumers that phones will be treated responsibly and securely.
2. Mandate durability and repairability standards
The report calls on policymakers to introduce durability and repairability ratings for mobile phones. This would:
- Empower consumers to choose longer-lasting products,
- Encourage manufacturers to design phones that are easy to disassemble and repair, and
- Create a more level playing field for refurbishment businesses and accredited repairers.
3. Prioritise reuse over recycling
While recycling plays a role, reuse and repair should be prioritised, keeping existing products and materials circulating at the highest value. The report recommends:
- Incentivising refurbishment schemes through policy or voluntary agreements
- Supporting third-party and community repair models, including the right to access spare parts and repair manuals
- Developing second-hand marketplaces that are safe, affordable, and quality assured.
4. Build consumer confidence and awareness
Behavioural change is key. The report suggests:
- Public awareness campaigns to highlight the environmental value of keeping phones in use
- Education on repair and reuse as legitimate, high-value actions
- Promoting eco-ratings and expected lifespans to help the consumer to make an informed decision away from upgrade cycles and toward longevity.
5. Support local authority and industry collaboration
Local authorities, producers, and retailers all have a role to play. Recommendations include:
- Better data sharing and reporting on mobile phone waste volumes
- Joint infrastructure planning to make take-back services widely accessible
- Greater alignment between producer responsibility schemes and real-world consumer behaviours.
The Fast Phones report is more than a diagnosis; it offers a coordinated action plan. With the right combination of policy action, producer responsibility, and consumer empowerment, we can significantly reduce mobile phone waste and maximise the value locked inside every device whilst setting a precedent for e-waste management.
At Beyondly, we are proud to have played a part in this important research and embrace the opportunity to work with clients, regulators, and partners to help turn these recommendations into reality through better systems, smarter design, and sustainable change at scale.