**O2’s decision to switch off its legacy 3G network next month will create £13.7m worth of e-waste, researchers have said.**
Networks are phasing out 3G to free up spectrum for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G networks, which are in higher demand for data-intensive services and applications. Vodafone and EE completed their 3G switch-off in early 2024, and while Three still has a small number of 3G sites operational, most were also shut down last year.
Research by BusinessWaste.co.uk found that some older devices only able to connect to data services through 3G will effectively become unusable. Those devices will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or connect to the internet.
According to data from the UN’s Global E-Waste Monitor, just 30% of the e-waste generated by the UK is properly recycled. Up to 80% of the materials in most smartphones are recyclable, but without going through the correct processes, the torrent of defunct devices risks wasting vast amounts of resources that could be reused.
The researchers estimated about 68,800kg of copper would be contained within the devices, worth around £500,000. But much more valuable metals, albeit in a lower quantity, could also be wasted, including 1,505kg of silver (£1.2m), 146kg of gold (£10.3m) and 65kg of palladium (£1.6m).
O2 will begin switching off its 3G network in April 2025, starting in the Durham area before moving across the UK. Customers of third-party networks such as Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff and Virgin Media that use the O2 network will also be affected. In total, it’s estimated the switch-off could impact more than 4.3 million citizens.
Many places offer recycling schemes that will pay you to recycle your old device such as O2 Recycle and musicMagpie.
Mark Hall, waste electrical and electronic expert at Business Waste, said: “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.”