Recent studies have shown that mobile phones could become one of the biggest threats to the environment. Chemicals from mobile phone batteries eventually leak, so when they are put into a landfill it is just a matter of time before harmful chemicals are leeched into the soil. Eventually these chemicals find their way into water systems and kill wildlife and ecosystems and potentially humans once the water supply is contaminated. Because of this countries around the world are looking for new and innovative ways to encourage people to recycle their phones. Although most of the responsibility remains on individuals, some countries are offering incentives to the businesses who sell mobile phones.
In Dubai a recent proposal was made which offered financial incentives to mobile phone companies to collect phones from their customers. Studies have shown that many people are unaware of how to recycle their mobile phones while others are completely unaware that it is even an option. The proposal aims to increase awareness of mobile phone recycling by making it more visible. Although the legislation would be a first step, many industry insiders are saying that the UAE needs to encourage the recycling of all types of electronics, not just mobile phones.
There are many obstacles that the UAE faces in its attempt to keep mobile phones from polluting their landfills. Most of the UAE’s landfills were built well before people knew about the potential harmful effects of e-waste. Another problem the UAE faces is that e-waste is often mixed in with other types of rubbish, which makes it very difficult to separate.
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