Last month, when Mohammed Zubair purchased a new phone, he intended to hand down his old iPhone 12 to his teenage daughter. However, she declined, deeming it outdated and instead saving up for a new model. Zubair found no takers among his household staff either and considered recycling the phone. Yet, he hesitated due to the extensive personal data it contained, including cherished baby photos and important documents. He feared that even after deletion, the data could be recovered and misused, leading him to store the phone alongside other outdated tech in his cupboard.
Industry experts highlight that the fear of data misuse is a major obstacle for UAE residents when considering device recycling. Shafi Alam of Samsung Gulf Electronics notes that convenience and trust are crucial, emphasizing the need for user-friendly, valuable, and accessible recycling processes. As devices are replaced more frequently, raising awareness about recycling programs is essential. Alam observes a trend of rapid upgrades, with many consumers aiming to be early adopters of new mobile technologies.
Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s group of companies, points out that past incidents of data misuse in corporate recycling have heightened concerns. However, most recycling partners now have safeguards in place to prevent such risks, making it crucial to choose reputable partners. Panjabi identifies the initial hurdle of getting customers to recycle as the biggest challenge, noting that once they do, they tend to recycle more frequently.
Samsung has seen a rise in recycling program popularity, offering credits for new purchases when customers trade in old devices. Shafi reports growing consumer recognition of the value proposition, leading to increased participation and positive feedback. Phones and laptops are the most recycled devices due to their ease of recycling and strong secondary market. Despite this, there is also a growing demand for recycling larger appliances, driven by a desire for more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious choices.
Samsung is facilitating the trade-in and recycling of these appliances, making upgrades easier and more affordable while promoting a circular economy. By offering attractive trade-in values and a streamlined process, businesses can capitalize on this trend while supporting environmental sustainability.
