Summary
Reusing and recycling of mobile phones to minimise environmental impact of mobile phone usage by diverting potentially harmful electrical waste from landfill.

Background
Fonebak provides mobile phone reuse and recycling solutions and employs around 190 people across Europe. It collects, tests and refurbishes mobile phones and then sells them to developing economies. To date over 4 million handsets have been collected and refurbished or recycled. Fonebak's business model links business needs with a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of mobile phone usage by diverting potentially harmful electrical waste from landfill.

Responsible business objectives 
Fonebak's business model links business needs with a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of mobile phone usage by diverting potentially harmful electrical waste from landfill.

How they do it

On average mobile phones are replaced every 18 months generating an estimated 1,800 tonnes of potentially hazardous landfill. However, mobile phones have a lifespan of 5-7 years and Fonebak has negotiated agreements with network service providers to collect, refurbish and resell unwanted handsets to developing countries where mobile communications are often prohibitively expensive. Handsets that are unsuitable for reuse are securely recycled according to Fonebak's ISO14001 and EMAS verified Environmental Management System and the company maintains a zero landfill policy.

The company is committed to developing its staff and advancing knowledge on environmental management. It has sponsored educational programmes and scholarships on environmental management in countries where its World Recycling Support Programme operates. It also supports Fones4Safety which provides free phones to victims of violence enabling them to dial emergency services at the touch of a single button.  

 What impact it has

• Diversion of 1,800 tonnes of potential landfill waste.

• Community Foneback scheme enabled 750 charities to raise over $1.5 million.

• Fonebak enables network service providers to fulfil corporate responsibility commitments and has anticipated recycling needs in advance of forthcoming legislation.

• Fonebak has provided over 1 million phones to developing economies.

• Fonebak has helped to raise awareness of the need for safe and sustainable disposal of mobile phones.

Business Benefits
Fonebak's turnover has grown from £3.9 million in 2002  to over £37 million in 2005 with an operating profit of £3.2 million. From the initial six clients representing every network operator in the UK, the company now has over 1000 clients across Europe and has had 100% customer retention since our launch in 2002. 

Fonebak has gained recognition and awards for its work including a a Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2005; being highly commended by the GSM Association for our contribution to solving a potential environmental issue in Europe while improving communications in developing markets; and winning Business in the Community's Award for Environmental Excellence in 2003.