Why shred a mobile phone?
Why shred a mobile phone for data security?
Mobile phones have become ingrained in our lives. In 2018 96% of the UK population used a mobile phone on a daily basis. It’s estimated that between 2011 and 2019 around 52 million iPhones were sold. On average people have a phone for 2 years before they upgrade to a newer model. The latest UK phone recycling statistics show that only around 46% of people recycle mobile phones. This includes using or giving it away or using phone recyclers.
This amount of turnaround creates a huge amount of redundant material.
So if your phone is old, broken or you no longer need it, what can you do with it? There are a variety of options available to you when you need to dispose of a mobile phone. One is to shred a mobile phone.
Why shred a mobile phone?
Mobile phones contain a variety of personal and sensitive information. They should be handled carefully to avoid your personal information being at risk.
Data Security
For business mobile phones, the biggest reason to shred is for data security. Corporations cannot risk repurposing phones that have been used for business purposes due to the data that has been stored within them. Shredding mobile phones and tablets should be part of your data protection policy.
Obsolete Technology
If it’s obsolete or too old to cope with new software then the only option is to shred. Newer technology is continually being developed. Older models may have been phased out or no longer supported such as Blackberry.
Shredding and recycling
You may think it an extreme measure to shred a mobile phone, however, it’s the easiest way to sort the materials into different sections before recycling. Around 80% of a mobile phone can be recovered and recycled. The shredding process separates the metals from the plastic materials and sorts ready for recycling. Phones contain many precious metals including gold, platinum, silver and copper that can be easily recycled and used again. Recycling avoids the need to mine for raw materials and avoids dumping potentially toxic materials leeching out into the ground and water supply. It makes sense to reuse metals and plastics to help try and reverse the exponential rise in e-waste.
The shredding process is simple:
- Removal of the SIM card or memory card – These are separated prior to shredding the handset
- Removal of the battery – lithium batteries cannot be shredded as they contain hazardous chemicals.
- Shred the phone and SIM/memory card – this ensures all data is erased.
- Issue a Certificate of Destruction – we can supply you with proof of your mobile phone destruction.
Battery removal is vital
Remember to remove the battery from your mobile phone before handing in for shredding. Lithium batteries must never be shredded as they pose a fire risk. Dispose of batteries at your nearest recycling centre for safe handling.
How The Shredding Alliance can help
The Shredding Alliance are fully equipped to handle all your mobile phone shredding requirements. We can even shred your mobile phones on-site for further data security. Find out more about mobile phone shredding or request a quote.
