GSM2LIFE: combining technology and eco-responsibility

Objective of the project

The GSM2life project is one of the five Sustainable Campus projects of the ULiège Green Office. It provides an answer to students who wish to combine technology and an eco-responsible attitude. Its objective is to make students aware of the positive impacts of the circular economy, in particular the recycling of electronic equipment.

Report

The manufacture of mobile phones requires the use of rare metals which depletes non-renewable reserves. Mining contaminates soil and water through the heavy metals used. Yet many metals could be reused instead of being extracted from mines. For example, 300 grams of gold are found in 1 ton of mobile phones! Worldwide, only 20% of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is recycled. Reducing the amount of WEEE in circulation is therefore a major challenge and can have positive environmental and social impacts. Various actions can be taken throughout the life cycle of these devices: ecodesign (to extend the life span and facilitate the recycling of components), the collection of old mobile phones and their repair, and finally, the recycling of components.

Suggested solution

The Green Office will propose a first action downstream of the life cycle by organizing a collection of old smartphones and other small electronic devices. This type of collection is implemented in many educational institutions in Flanders and elsewhere in the world. The project also aims to raise awareness of the circular economy. In this way, solutions for repairs or second-hand purchases will be promoted.

Implementation of the project

The collection of mobile phones will take the form of an annual event at which students and university staff will be invited to drop off their electronic devices in a fun way. As soon as possible, a battery collection will be organised. The collections will be organised in partnership with actors in the field (e.g. Recupel, Bebat, ...).

Our experts consulted

Angélique Léonard, Luc Courard, Eric Pirard, Fanny Lambert (Faculty of Applied Sciences), Grégory Mahy (Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech).

Contribution to the Agenda 2030

This project is in line with the Sustainable Development Objectives of the United Nations' Global Agenda 2030, including 12 "Responsible Consumption and Production" and 15 "Earth Life".