What is the goal of the project?

We want to offset the material scarcity caused by the production of mobile phones. Mobile phones are produced by the billions, yet recycling hardly takes place. We educate on this urban mining, collect scrap phones and connect those that suffer from 'e-waste' to those that can turn it into valuable streams again.

What is the result of the project?

With around 800.000 people, we 'consume' (purchase and dispose) around 250.000 phones each year, in Amsterdam. The amount of e-waste this leads to and the increased demand this creates for metals can be offset. We can offset the negative footprint caused by all mobile phone users, by collecting scrap phones and having them recycled. If Amsterdam buys 250k phones each year, we will offset that impact by having 250k end-of-life phones recycled each year.

Who initiated the project and which organizations are involved?

Closing the Loop started it. Our main partners include Fairphone and Sims Recycling.

What is the next step?

Partner with international operator (eg Vodafone) and international electronics disposal / reuse company.

What can other cities learn from your project?

How to expand (from startup to scale-up) How to attact capital How to set up partnerships How to sell your story (liquidate your story)