
Weighing more than the Great Wall of China, the amount of electronic waste discarded in 2021 is estimated to be 57.4 metric tons. Smartphone users keep their phones for 2 to 3 years, and just 15% of phones are collected for recycling once they’re no longer used.
Circularity needs to start somewhere. That’s why the Dutch phone brand Fairphone has added a rental service to its offerings. By making repairing part of the deal while also rewarding customers for treating their devices with care, Fairphone is pushing for longevity — keeping every phone in use for longer.
Repairs are offered at no cost. Every Fairphone subscription comes with a protective case and a screen protector. Fairphone rewards customers for taking good care of their phones. For every damage-free year, their monthly subscription fee drops.
Once a rental period is up, users send their phone back to Fairphone, which ensures its reuse by another customer or proper recycling. Longer use and increased recycling means fewer resources wasted.