FAQ
How does recycling my phone help the environment?
There are potentially 800 million redundant mobile phones gathering dust in drawers around the world. A lot of these phones are just thrown out with the waste. Mobile phones however contain a lot of dangerous metals that can damage the environment and therefore they need to be disposed in special recycling plants.
If phones are just thrown away then the bio-accumulative metals within them will become toxic over time. Phones can contain dangerous chemicals such as cadmium (the 7th most dangerous chemical), lead, nickel, mercury, lithium etc. Cadmium is highly carcinogenic while lead can also cause both liver and neurological problems. If the phones are not correctly recycled then the metals can corrode and leak into the environment. As many of these elements cannot decompose the level of harmful toxins can build up. Lithium, for example, if it comes into contact with water can cause fires in landfills. Other health problems such as genetic or reproductive defects, nervous system problems can be caused by these dangerous chemicals
In the longer term as the mobile phone decomposes it releases methane gas which is one of the major factors in global warming and is more damaging than CO2. Even if you cannot find your mobile phone on our website please send it to us so that we can ensure that it is correctly disposed of.
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How do I send my mobile phone to TalkGreener Recycle?
TalkGreener Recycle will provide you with a Postage Paid envelope to send your mobile phone to us. TalkGreener Recycle will also provide you with a Certificate of Postage (these can also be found at all Post Office locations free of charge). Simply have this Certificate stamped at your local Post Office and your phone(s) will be covered up to a value of £32 in the case of loss. If the value of your phone(s) is over £32, we strongly advise that you obtained Special Delivery service from your Post Office. Special Delivery will insure your phones(s) in the event of loss up to £500. TalkGreener Recycle can not be held responsible for phones not received.
If you are trading in bulk quantities, we will be glad to arrange a free courier collection.
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Why is my mobile phone not on the list?
Our list comprises over 300 mobile phone models. If your mobile phone is not on our list, it may be that it's a very new model that we still need to add to the list, or a very old model that can no longer be reused.(TalkGreener Recycle reserves the right to reject mobile phones that do not appear on the list.)
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I believe that a particular mobile phone model should be added to the list.
If you believe that a particular mobile phone model should be added to the list, please send an email to support@talkgreener.co.uk
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What is the definition of a functioning phone?
"Functioning" means that the mobile phone switches on and off, the display is intact and working, and the device is neither destroyed nor has it suffered water damage.
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What if my mobile phone is not functioning?
When you fill in the online form, you are asked if your mobile phone is functioning or not. Not functioning mobile phones have some value, but they are worth less than functioning phones.
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Do I need to send in all mobile phone accessories as well?
No. Just send in the mobile phone with its battery. Chargers and other accessories are not needed and can damage the envelope.
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How do I know when you have received my phone?
You will receive three notifications
- A confirmation email after the submission of the online form.
- A reference number and submission invoice. These will accompany the package we send you after you submit your request to sell online.
- A confirmation of receipt as soon as your mobile phone has arrived at TalkGreener Recycle.
How do I recognise the manufacturer of my mobile phone?
The name of the manufacturer is normally written on the cover of your mobile phone. If this is not the case, open your mobile phone and remove the battery. The name of the manufacturer and the mobile phone model are written on the sticker under the battery.
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How can I determine my mobile phone's model?
The mobile phone model is usually written on a sticker that can be found under the phone's battery. To find it, open up the mobile phone and remove the battery.
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How and when do I receive my money?
All customers will receive payment within 22 days of receipt of the phone(s). This means no hassle for you as the money is paid directly into your bank account without any of the stress that goes with cashing a cheque.
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What happens to the phone after I have sent it in?
TalkGreener does its best where possible to extend the life of the phones that we receive. The majority of the phones are cleaned, repaired and repackaged though partner firms and are then resold as an affordable first time communications device throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In many of these areas the availability of land-line telephony can be sparse, or non-existent and a mobile phone can really help to empower the local people.
If it is not possible to extend the life of the phone then the phones are recycled and are broken down into their constituent parts – plastics, metals, batteries etc by specialist companies. TalkGreener receives a full environmental report in accordance with the WEEE Directive and the information is then collected under our Waste Management Licence with the Environment Agency.
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