The Cell Phone and Its Waste

Integrating smartphones into various sectors of society has made them indispensable. Despite their undeniable impact, the design of cell phones is yet to align with sustainable development principles. The disposal of rare metals such as Europium, Neodymium, Yttrium, Terbium, and gold, which are used to manufacture cell phones, occurs in a manner that undervalues the individual components and leads to their accumulation in landfills. A linear system of consumption and disposal is no longer tenable, and a diversionary model based on recycling, reusing, and repurposing must be adopted to mitigate the negative environmental impact of e-waste.

The current design of smartphones makes them difficult to disassemble, hindering both repair and the recycling of valuable materials. This lack of infrastructure for proper end-of-life management creates a major obstacle to a closed-loop system. Unfortunately, with current business models focused on short life cycles and new phone sales, prioritizing environmentally friendly practices that reduce waste and promote resource recovery isn't economically viable for most manufacturers.

Social implications exist due to the one-to-one correlation between the number of cell phones purchased and the number of phones disposed of, with Americans replacing their cell phones every 22 months. In some countries, the use of child labor in hazardous conditions is widespread. Furthermore, cell phones and electronics contribute to up to 70 percent of e-waste, filling up landfills in many countries and burning electronic devices to extract rare metals. The cell phone industry is reluctant to promote recycling due to a lack of economic viability.

In first-world countries such as the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, used cell phones are sold and shipped to third-world countries at the end of their lifespan. These cell phones are sold to consumers and eventually end up in landfills, leading to a cradle-to-grave approach with negative social and environmental implications. Burning electronic devices to extract precious metals releases toxins into the atmosphere and groundwater and pollutes the environment. 

In conclusion, the design of cell phones must be improved to align with sustainable development principles. A diversionary system must be adopted based on recycling, reusing, and repurposing to deal with the e-waste challenge. Additionally, a closed-loop system that reduces waste and supports economic growth in the industry must be implemented.