O2’s planned deactivation of its 3G network in April 2025 is projected to result in a significant volume of electronic waste, potentially generating £13.7 million worth of materials, according to new research from BusinessWaste.co.uk. The study, based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium, estimates that the switch-off will affect around 4.3 million people across the UK, each likely to discard their outdated devices once the 3G network is no longer available.
The 3G shutdown will render millions of mobile phones, tablets, and other devices obsolete for data services, including calls, texts, and internet access, since they rely on 3G technology. This will force many consumers to dispose of their devices, contributing to a significant increase in e-waste.
BusinessWaste.co.uk’s analysis calculated that the discarded devices would generate 70,516kg of e-waste, with materials including copper, silver, gold, and palladium. The financial value of these materials could total £13.7 million. Of this, copper would make up the majority, with 68,800kg of the metal valued at £509,808. Silver would contribute 1,505kg worth £1.2 million, while gold, the most valuable material, could account for 146kg, worth an estimated £10.4 million. Palladium, a rarer metal used in mobile devices, would add 65kg of value, or £1.6 million.
Mark Hall, a waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, highlighted the environmental concerns surrounding the growing volumes of e-waste. However, he also pointed out the potential benefits of recycling, noting that a large portion of the materials in these devices are recyclable. Hall encouraged consumers to recycle their old devices properly, reducing both e-waste and their carbon footprint, and preventing valuable materials from ending up in landfills.
As the 3G switch-off date approaches, the UK faces a growing challenge of managing the disposal of millions of obsolete devices, but also an opportunity to recover valuable materials through proper recycling efforts.
Image by Freepik
