In the Czech Republic, approximately 2,5 million mobile phones are sold annually. The number of unused and not yet discarded devices is estimated at up to 8 million. This means that households not only have a decent supply of toxic substances and precious metals, but also money if the phone is replaced smartly and in a timely manner.
According to Asekol, a company that deals with the ecological collection of electrical appliances, the average lifespan of a mobile phone is estimated at 12 to 18 months. "In the Czech Republic, about a quarter of citizens change their phones every year, which means 2,5 million mobile phones sold. The number of unused and not yet thrown away phones in the Czech Republic is estimated at up to 8 million," says Asekol's press spokeswoman Martina Martínková, adding that if all Czech owners of unused mobile phones recycled devices that they are no longer interested in, 2800 kilograms of silver would not have to be mined, for example. However, phones also contain hazardous substances such as arsenic, cadmium or mercury. For this reason, the recycling company motivates people to hand in unused phones, for example through the "Donate a Mobile" campaign, where handing in a phone helps children in orphanages. As part of the campaign, it has already recycled 121,229 mobile phones.
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To prevent people from leaving their phones in drawers, many companies are offering attractive prices when replacing devices. For example: Mobil Pohotovost has bought 1999 phones since 1, distinguishing between used and new phones. While used devices are those that have been used normally without showing any defects, new ones are those that have not been used and have complete accessories. According to Alexander Soukup from Mobil PohotovostEven the price of a used phone can be up to CZK 4 lower than the price of a new phone, depending on the price level and brand. "Generally speaking, the more expensive the model, the higher the savings that can be achieved when buying it used." varia"...," says Soukup, adding that if the customer also sells last year's model after a year, they can get an even more attractive price.
Even premium phones from well-known brands, as status symbols for the middle and upper classes, are reaching people who would have previously thought twice about buying them. "Of course, brand familiarity and exclusivity play a role, especially in the thinking of teenagers. On the other hand, there are products that offer superior performance in a lower price category, which is more important to many people," added by Alexandr Soukup from Mobil Pohotovosteven though the smartphoneone is a given today. According to the latest findings of the Czech Statistical Office, more than 41 % of Czechs.
