Mobile Phone Recycling Initiatives

Recycling process
Contributing to society through mobile phone recycling

SoftBank and Y!mobile shops collect unwanted, old or broken mobile phones free of charge and recycle them^*1. Mobile phone components—such as the handset itself, batteries, and chargers—contain many valuable resources, including rare metals with limited global supply, like palladium and cobalt, as well as gold, silver, and copper. These materials are recovered and reused as raw materials for components in electronic devices and other products.
Rare metals can be collected more efficiently through recycling than by mining. Promoting recycling not only helps prevent environmental destruction—such as deforestation caused by mining—but also reduces the risk of conflicts over mining rights. In resource-scarce countries like Japan, it also contributes to the effective use of limited mineral resources.

[Note]

*1
This initiative has been carried out since 2001 as a joint effort among mobile phone carriers under the Telecommunications Carriers Association.

Recycling process

Collection

We collect unwanted mobile phone handsets, battery packs, USIM cards, and chargers from customers. To ensure customers can participate in recycling with peace of mind, we take strict precautions to prevent personal information leaks. Since fiscal year 2004, we have introduced the “Mobile Phone Punch”^*2 to physically destroy handset devices.

[Note]

*2
Mobile Phone Punch: A machine used to physically destroy mobile phone handsets to prevent the leakage of personal information

Sorting

Collected mobile phones are sorted into four categories: handset devices, battery packs, USIM cards, and chargers.

Recycling process

1. Dismantling → Crushing → Refining

The sorted handset devices and chargers are sent to a recycling facility^*3, where they are crushed into small pieces by a shredding machine and then sent to a smelter for refining.

2. Recycling

The refined precious metals are recycled and used as raw materials for components in devices such as mobile phones and computers.^*3

[Note]

*3
The recycling process is carried out by certified partners who have obtained R2 certification, an international standard that ensures proper recycling practices.

Contributing to society through mobile phone recycling

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in Central Africa, is one of the countries rich in rare metals used in mobile phones and electronic appliances. However, conflicts over the control and exploitation of these resources have continued for years.

In partnership with the certified NPO Terra Renaissance, we launched an initiative to promote greater recycling of mobile phones and PHS devices. From June to October 2014, we held a campaign called “Daredemo Resai-kuji” (“Recycle Lottery for Everyone”) at SoftBank shops. Customers who recycled their mobile phones were entered into a monthly drawing, where 100 winners received a ¥10,000 prize^*4. As part of the campaign, participants were encouraged to watch a video about mobile phone recycling on the application page. For each application submitted, SoftBank donated ¥5 to Terra Renaissance.

In addition, a total of ¥656,175—including optional donations of prize money and additional contributions made via the “Kazashite Bokin” (now “Tsunagaru Bokin”) feature on the application page—was donated to Terra Renaissance. The funds were used to support the self-reliance of conflict victims in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Terra Renaissance's activities.

[Note]

*4
This initiative has been concluded.

Thank you very much for your kind support of the “Daredemo Resai-kuji” campaign.

Shingo Ogawa
Chairperson, Certified NPO Terra Renaissance

Building where welding technology training is provided
Women who opened tailors' stores

Thanks to everyone's support, we were able to receive a total of ¥656,175 in donations. We sincerely appreciate your generous contributions.

While the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa is rich in rare metal resources, it has suffered from ongoing conflict over these resources for more than 20 years, resulting in the loss of over 5.4 million lives to date.

In the midst of such difficult circumstances, many people affected and wounded by the conflict are striving to rebuild their lives on their own. At Certified NPO Terra Renaissance, our mission is to stand beside them with compassion and support their path to self-reliance. Specifically, we carry out projects within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, such as vocational training and agricultural support. Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to provide three months of vocational training to conflict survivors. The funds were also used to purchase carpentry equipment, construction supplies, sewing machines, sewing kits, and fabrics—helping them launch the small businesses and activities they need to take the first steps toward independence.

Although the “Daredemo Resai-kuji” initiative has come to an end, we kindly ask for your continued interest in the importance of rare metals and the recycling of mobile phones.

Terra Renaissance will continue its support activities, carrying forward the kindness and compassion you have shown toward those affected by conflict.