In a move set to modernise the UK’s telecommunications landscape, O2 will begin shutting down its 3G network in April 2025.
While the 3G switch-off promises to improve 4G and 5G connectivity, it is also poised to leave a significant environmental footprint.
New research from BusinessWaste.co.uk highlights that the transition could generate over £13m in discarded electronic waste, raising concerns about sustainability and resource recovery.
Why is 3G being phased out?
The primary reason for the 3G switch-off is to repurpose its bandwidth for more efficient 4G and 5G services. This will improve connectivity and reduce signal dead spots, benefiting millions of users.
The UK government has set a 2033 deadline to phase out both 2G and 3G networks, with providers like Vodafone and EE already making the shift.
O2’s decision, however, is particularly significant due to its large customer base and the fact that several major networks, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff, and Virgin Media, rely on O2’s infrastructure.
The phased shutdown will begin in Durham before rolling out nationwide.
The link between 3G switch-off and electronic waste
The transition to newer networks comes at a cost. Older devices that cannot operate on 4G or 5G networks will become inoperable.
Without the ability to make calls, send texts, or access the internet, these phones lose their utility, pushing users to upgrade to newer models.
This creates a cascading problem: millions of outdated phones could end up in landfills, contributing to the growing e-waste crisis.
Improper disposal of these devices also risks releasing harmful substances into the environment, including lead and mercury.
The environmental cost of the 3G switch-off
As O2 retires its 3G network, approximately 4.3 million people across the UK could be impacted.
For many, this means their older devices – reliant solely on 3G technology – will become obsolete.
The scale of this issue is immense, with an estimated 70,516 kilograms of e-waste expected to result from discarded phones. To put this into perspective, that’s about the weight of 5.9 fully loaded double-decker buses.
However, there’s a silver lining—quite literally. The scrapped devices are a treasure trove of raw materials. Collectively, the materials in these old phones are valued at an eye-popping £13,769,488.
The gold, silver, and copper in our phones
Smartphones are more than just gadgets – they’re mini-mines of precious metals. According to the study, the decommissioned 3G phones will yield:
- Copper: 68,800 kilograms valued at £509,808
- Silver: 1,505 kilograms worth £1,223,535
- Gold: A staggering 146 kilograms valued at £10,397,184
- Palladium: 65 kilograms with a value of £1,638,961
Gold takes the crown as the most valuable material, thanks to its high market price, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total estimated material value.
Turning e-waste into opportunity
The good news is that e-waste doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. Up to 80% of the materials in a typical smartphone are recyclable.
Many companies and organisations offer recycling programmes, often providing monetary incentives to encourage responsible disposal.
Options for recycling old 3G devices include:
- O2 Recycle: O2’s dedicated programme rewards users for recycling their devices.
- Comparison sites: Platforms like Compare and Recycle help users find the best recycling deals for their old electronics.
- Third-party programmes: Initiatives like Music Magpie also offer payment for outdated devices.
Recycling ensures that valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper are extracted and reused, reducing the demand for new mining and lowering the overall environmental impact.
Mark Hall, waste management expert at Business Waste, explained: “The decision to switch off 3G and 2G networks will inevitably lead to a huge amount of e-waste and leave a big impact on our environment.
“E-waste is the world’s fastest-growing solid waste stream, with more than 50 million tonnes generated globally each year.
“However, the good news is that with the majority of materials in our devices recyclable, you can look to reduce your carbon footprint. By doing this, you can reduce e-waste and prevent it going to landfill.
“E-waste that ends up in landfills can cause damage to our soil, ecosystems, and even human populations as hazardous substances leak out and contaminate the environment. So it’s especially important to ensure you recycle old devices responsibly.”
Industry responsibility and consumer action
While individual consumers play a vital role in reducing e-waste, the telecommunications industry must also step up.
Initiatives to promote device recycling, extend product lifespans, and design for easier material recovery are crucial to tackling the e-waste crisis.
For consumers, upgrading to a new phone doesn’t mean tossing the old one into a drawer or the bin.
By participating in recycling schemes, individuals can not only recoup some value from their devices but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
The 3G switch-off represents both a technological leap forward and an environmental challenge.
With an estimated £13m worth of electronic waste looming, the onus is on consumers and the industry alike to prioritise recycling and resource recovery.
By taking proactive steps, the UK can turn this transition into an opportunity to combat the growing e-waste crisis while embracing the benefits of advanced connectivity.
