China launched demonstration projects for the safe recycling and disposal of mobile phones in Tianjin municipality and Shantou city of Guangdong province on Jan 18.

China Resources Recycling Group, a centrally administered State-owned enterprise, is the first in the country to integrate online and offline operations for recycling, dismantling and smelting mobile phones.

Mobile phones hold significant recycling value due to the presence of precious metals like gold, silver and copper. However, privacy concerns have hindered their reuse. It is estimated that there are nearly 6 billion discarded mobile phones in China, with 55 percent remaining unrecycled, highlighting an urgent need for solutions.

In response, the group partnered with State-owned enterprises to establish an online platform offering door-to-door and confidential mail recycling services. Discarded phones undergo mechanical destruction and smelting under strict surveillance to recover valuable metals.

"The launch of this demonstration project is a milestone in innovation and cooperation, encouraging further progress," said Chen Yunlong, deputy general manager of China Resources Recycling Group. The initiative aims to minimize e-waste, boost resource utilization and advance a green circular economy through high-value recycling.

On the same day, the group hosted a science and technology innovation conference in Tianjin Binhai New Area, reviewing the group's achievements in scientific innovation since its founding three months ago. The event brought together experts to discuss sustainable development in resource recycling.

Liu Yu, Party secretary and chairman of the board of the China Recycling Resources Group, emphasized a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. Keynote speakers, including Chen Zhongwei, fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and Liu Meng, Asia-Pacific representative of the UN Global Compact, shared insights on advancing resource recycling.

The group is planning to expand its safe recycling model nationwide, eventually encompassing end-of-life electrical and electronic products. With the goal of building a world-class resource recycling industry, it aims to foster innovation, support a low-carbon economy, and drive the high-quality development of modern recycling systems.