top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Scientists call for old mobiles to help develop metals recycling plan

There are drop-off points in towns around Grand Est in a bid to stop waste of valuable metals in discarded phones

Scientists at the University of Lorraine hope to collect 10,000 unwanted mobiles so as to  find a way to recycle the precious metals contained within their circuit boards. 

A project launched by the university  early this year is working to extract and recycle metals such as gold, silver, copper and palladium that are hidden in our unused or broken phones. 

The THYMO scheme, led by researcher Éric Meux, is encouraging residents of the Grand Est region to contribute by dropping their old devices off at a local collection point. 

Ecosystem, a not-for-profit organisation which specialises in recycling electronic equipment, reported in 2020 that only 6-9 million of the 20 million phones bought each year are recycled. 

It is estimated that 100 million old mobiles are either gathering dust in our drawers at home or are in landfill sites.

If, according to the University of Lorraine’s material science laboratory, l’Institut Jean Lamour, the average phone weighs 200g, then there are currently thousands of tonnes of precious metals trapped within these defunct devices. 

The researchers say that if they can collect 10,000 old phones by February 2022, they will have all the necessary tools to develop an effective process for identifying, recuperating, separating and recycling these precious metals, so that they can be used again.

This three-year-long project will eventually culminate in the creation of a treatment plant in Grand Est. 

There are phone collection points in towns around the region, including Nancy, Metz and Troyes. Their addresses can be found on this map, with opening times detailed here.

There are several other options for recycling old phones, including Ecosystem’s jedonnemontelephone.fr scheme. 

Through this programme, Ecosystem works to repair or recondition your unused devices - after deleting your personal data - helping to give them a second lease of life with a new owner.

Read more

How to sell your old mobile phone in France

French MPs want shops to swap plastic packaging for refill stations

What can I do with used gas bottles?

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France