Revive, Reuse, Repair: Giving Old Smartphones a Second Chance

Have you ever wondered what happens to your old smartphones and tablets once you're done with them? Many people simply throw them away, but did you know that your old devices could be reused, refurbished, or recycled?

In Berlin, Repair Circle has been working to collect old devices from the community, with the goal of giving them a second chance. With the support of Impact Hub Berlin and NABU, Repair Circle has collected 31 phones, 3 tablets, and a bunch of cables. These devices have been shipped to AfB, a company that specializes in the sustainable disposal and recycling of electronics. At AfB, the devices will be sorted, graded, and repaired or recycled, ensuring that they don't end up in a landfill.

Why are we collecting your old phones?

There are many reasons why it's important to collect and reuse old devices. For one, it's a sustainable practice that helps to reduce electronic waste. When we throw away our old devices, they end up in landfills, where they can leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water. By reusing and recycling our old devices, we can reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills.

In addition to being a sustainable practice, collecting and reusing old devices can also be a way to extend the life of your electronics. Many people upgrade to new devices simply because they want the latest technology, but often their old devices are still perfectly usable. By giving your old devices a second chance, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact.

Where will the collected devices go?

The devices that are collected by Repair Circle will be sent to AfB for sorting, grading, and repair or recycling. AfB is a social enterprise that was founded in Germany in 2004. The company employs people with disabilities to refurbish and recycle electronics, and is committed to creating sustainable jobs and protecting the environment.

When your old devices arrive at AfB, they will be evaluated to determine whether they can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. If your device is still in good working condition, it may be refurbished and sold to someone else who could use it. If it's not in good condition, it will be recycled in an environmentally responsible way.

Repair Circle has collected 31 old phones as part of its collection drive at Impact hub Berlin

Repairing Locally

At Repair Circle, we believe in repairing locally as a way to reduce waste and create a more sustainable future. When we repair our devices locally, we can reduce the need for new electronics and extend the life of the electronics we already have. This not only saves money, but it also reduces our environmental impact and supports the local economy.

If you're experiencing any issues with your devices, whether it's a smartphone or a laptop, Repair Circle is here to help. Simply use our online form to describe the problem, and we'll get back to you with local repair options.

Conclusion

Reviving your old devices and giving them a second chance is a sustainable practice that benefits both the environment and your wallet. By collecting and reusing old devices, we can reduce electronic waste, extend the life of our electronics, and support the local economy.

Repair Circle is committed to repairing locally as a way to create a more sustainable future. Join us in our efforts to reduce waste and give your old devices a second chance!