Orange and the Association of Mayors of France (AMF) are teaming up to launch a new mobile phone collection campaign: “Collect’ mobile, un geste pour ma ville”. The aim is to raise awareness of the impact of electronic waste and encourage recycling. This initiative highlights our shared commitment to the circular economy. By recycling unwanted mobiles, we can reduce the digital sector’s carbon footprint and make better use of precious resources.
Why it matters
In France, millions of old mobile phones are gathering dust in drawers. AMF has launched a campaign to encourage local governments to set up collection points for used phones. Communities that collect the most phones per capita will win ornamental trees to plant in their area. These trees will help absorb carbon and create more shaded, greener spaces in their cities.
What happens to the phones?
Nearly 2,000 local authorities have already set up mobile phone collection bins provided by Orange. These bins are easy to place around the town and when full, they’re sent to Ateliers du Bocage for processing. Phones that still work are tested, wiped clean of data, refurbished, and resold. Those that no longer function are responsibly recycled: hazardous materials are safely treated, and rare metals recovered and reused.
The Re program: supporting the circular economy
Did you know that the largest environmental impact caused by the digital industry is device manufacturing? That’s why Orange created the “Re” program to encourage responsible use of mobile phones. The program focuses on four key areas: Recycling, Refurbishing, Repairing, and Returning. By giving old phones a second life, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help conserve natural resources.
A win for communities and the environment
This challenge gives local leaders a unique opportunity to engage their communities and raise awareness about the environmental impact of digital technology. By working with Orange, local authorities can inspire citizens to adopt more sustainable practices, helping to minimize resource waste and contribute to a circular economy.
Curious about the Collect’ mobile challenge in France? Check out the criteria