Nokia to collect counterfeit phones for recycling.

Nokia will has set up points to collect fake phones.

Nokia has partnered with local mobile service providers and retail outlets to collect and dispose off counterfeit phones, ahead of the planned switch-off of these devices by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK).

The handsets manufacturer has partnered with Safaricom, Airtel, Nakumatt, Naivas, Phonelink, and Tuskys to set up 100 collection points across the country for consumers to dispose of the fake phones.

As the CCK’s planned switch-off fake phones by the end of the month, there has been mounting concerns amongst Kenyan NGO’s, environmental agencies and consumers as to what will happen to the devices once they are discarded.

The number of counterfeit handsets around the country is estimated at over two million, and it is feared that once switched off the handsets might end up in landfills, contributing to the growing e-waste threat in the country.

The truth is that mobile phones contain a number of valuable and useful materials that can be recycled, including precious metals and plastics. In fact, for every one million phones recycled, it is possible to recover nearly 35kg of gold and 350kg of silver, which can be re-used in the production of future electronic goods according to Bruce Howe, General Manager for Nokia East Africa.

Nokia is also working with the Anti-Counterfeits Authority (ACA), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), as well as local operators to encourage consumers to dispose of these fake handsets in a responsible manner by recycling them.

Your Pick.

CCK has set September 30 as the official deadline for operators to switch off fake mobile phone handsets.