Mobile phone cases have become an essential accessory for protecting our smartphones from accidental damage. They also serve as a fashion statement, with some people owning multiple cases to match their outfits and styles. In fact, the average person buys around 27 phone cases in their lifetime, starting from the age of 16 to 70.

With the increasing demand for phone cases, there are over 3,000 factories dedicated to mobile phone case production in China alone. This means that a vast amount of plastic is being produced and wasted, which is harmful to the environment.

While mobile phone recycling is becoming more common, there is not enough discussion about what happens to phone cases when users upgrade their handset. Since each phone case is unique to a specific phone’s shape and size, people often throw them away, leading to toxins leaking into the environment from landfills.

While the technology exists to recycle mobile phone cases, it is still challenging because of each case’s unique composition, making it a rare practice. However, some companies like Pela offer phone case recycling services when you purchase a new case from them. The company sends out an envelope with every purchase that customers can use to send their old case back to them. If it’s a Pela case, they either upcycle or compost it. If it’s a plastic case from another brand, they recycle it.

Another company, Najture, will reward customers with a 15% discount on a replacement phone case for sending back their old ones. CASETiFY in the United States and elsewhere offers a similar service through TerraCycle, but it has yet to do so in the UK.

If you are environmentally conscious but have an old phone case, you can also sell it if it’s still in good condition, donate it to a friend or a local charity shop, or repurpose it into something useful.

Since phone cases are difficult to recycle, it’s important to consider eco-friendly options when buying a new one. Compostable options made from materials like wheat straw, plant-based starches, sustainable wood, bamboo, cork, and coffee beans are now available. These cases are biodegradable and can be composted once they reach the end of their life, reducing waste and environmental impact. However, it’s important to note that they must be composted and not sent to a landfill site.

Recycled plastic phone cases are also an excellent option as they are not made from virgin plastic, helping reduce plastic waste. Phone cases made from ocean plastic are also available, helping to clear plastic waste from our oceans.

In conclusion, while mobile phone cases serve a vital purpose in protecting our smartphones, they are also a significant source of plastic waste. With eco-friendly options and recycling programs available, we can reduce our environmental impact while still enjoying the benefits of phone cases.