Telefonica slashes e-waste footprint

Telefonica has revealed that it successfully reused or recycled more than 4 million electronic devices throughout 2023 as part of its ongoing environmental sustainability strategy. The Spanish telecommunications group is intensifying its operational efforts to achieve a comprehensive zero-waste target by the year 2030. This initiative focuses on reducing the ecological impact of hardware across its global footprint, including consumer handsets and network infrastructure equipment.

The company stated that the majority of these devices were processed through structured circular economy programmes designed to extend the lifecycle of technology. By prioritizing refurbishment over disposal, the operator aims to mitigate the growing issue of electronic waste within the telecommunications sector. These figures represent a significant milestone in the group’s broader commitment to environmental social and governance standards across its various regional markets.

Internal data from the operator indicates that the programme encompasses a wide range of hardware, including mobile phones, routers, and set-top boxes. Of the total devices processed, a significant portion was returned to the market as certified pre-owned equipment after undergoing rigorous testing and refurbishment. This approach allows the company to reduce the demand for new raw materials and lowers the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and logistics.

The circularity model implemented by the group also involves the recovery of precious metals and materials from devices that are no longer functional or beyond repair. By partnering with specialist recycling facilities, the operator ensures that hazardous components are handled according to international safety regulations. This systematic management of hardware ensures that minimal waste is sent to landfills, aligning with European Union directives on electronic waste management.

Beyond consumer devices, the initiative includes the decommissioning and repurposing of legacy network equipment as the provider migrates toward more energy-efficient 5G infrastructure. By managing the end-of-life process for base stations and switching equipment, the firm is able to recover value from older assets while modernising its technical capabilities. The integration of these practices into the supply chain remains a core component of the operator's operational transformation.

The group intends to continue expanding these programmes across its subsidiaries in Europe and Latin America to reach its long-term environmental objectives. Future efforts will likely focus on increasing the percentage of recycled materials used in new branded hardware and enhancing consumer take-back schemes. The operator expects these measures to contribute significantly to its goal of achieving a fully circular business model by the end of the decade.