The joy of REFURBISHED

We've all heard the phrase 'reduce, reuse, recycle', but it's time to add refurbished to the list too

- RAE RITCHIE

How many old mobile phones are there lurking in your junk drawer, up in the loft or under your bed? The average UK adult has at least two lying around, says mobile network giffgaff, and has also thrown two in the bin. Many of these still work.

What is e-waste?

Any discarded item with a plug or battery is known as e-waste. According to UN research, the world now generates 62 billion kilograms of it per year. In the UK, it's estimated that we create 24.5 kilograms of e-waste per head annually, which makes us second only to the Norwegians at 26.8 kilograms each.