A second life for old mobile phones

The Fundació MONA and the Fundació Solidança have joined forces to give a second life to unused mobile phones, combining efforts in favour of the environment and social well-being.

In recent months, we have collected 780 mobile phones thanks to the active participation of individuals, educational centres, and companies that have sent them to our centre in Riudellots. These devices are currently in the WEEE workshop (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) of the Fundació Solidança, where they will be processed for reuse and recycling, thereby promoting the reduction of electronic waste and the efficient use of resources.

This initiative is part of the campaign “Recycle your mobile, save lives”, launched by Fundació MONA in 2005. The collection and recycling of mobile phones not only reduces electronic waste but also helps to minimise the demand for coltan, a mineral essential for manufacturing electronic devices. The extraction of coltan causes severe environmental and social impacts, particularly in Central African countries.

In addition to protecting the environment, this collaboration supports primate conservation projects. The funds raised by Fundació MONA are allocated to projects dedicated to the welfare and conservation of primates, many of whom have been rescued from abusive or captive conditions.

Furthermore, the Fundació Solidança has been working for over 27 years in sustainable waste management with a model that creates employment opportunities for people in socially vulnerable situations, offering training and support to facilitate their integration into the job market.

This partnership between the two foundations exemplifies how cooperation between organisations can generate a positive impact on both the environment and the living beings that inhabit it, moving towards a more sustainable and ethical future.