Refurbished phones and the environment: this is how big the difference really is
Buying a refurbished phone is one of the easiest choices you can make for the environment. Find out exactly how much CO₂, water and raw materials you really save.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-04-29
Every new smartphone that rolls off the production line costs the planet an average of 70 kilograms of CO₂ — before you've even switched it on. Choose a refurbished phone instead, and you cut that footprint by more than half. But what does the refurbished phone environmental story actually mean in practice?
Quick summary: Buying a refurbished phone saves up to 70% CO₂, thousands of litres of water and precious raw materials compared to a brand-new smartphone — without compromising on quality or usability.
Why producing a new phone takes such a heavy toll
Consider this: a phone weighs around 200 grams. Yet manufacturing one produces an average of 70 kilograms of CO₂. How? Because making a modern smartphone requires dozens of rare metals — cobalt, lithium, neodymium — mined from locations all over the world. The extraction process itself is energy-intensive and damaging to local ecosystems.
Then there's the water consumption. Manufacturing a single smartphone is estimated to require 13,000 litres of water. Producing the screen alone involves special chlorine-based gases that, if not fully processed, end up in the atmosphere.
The vast majority of a phone's environmental impact — up to 80% — occurs during this production phase. Not during use, not during charging, but during manufacturing. That also means: the longer a phone lasts, or the more times it's reused, the greater the environmental benefit per year of life.
What "refurbished" actually means (and what it doesn't)
Refurbished isn't a fancy word for "second-hand". A refurbished device goes through a structured restoration process before it leaves our hands. At our workshop in Nijverdal, we check every device on more than 100 points: from battery health and screen condition to the camera, speakers, buttons and software.
If something isn't right, we replace it. Battery below 80% capacity? New one goes in. Scratch on the screen? Replaced. Only once a device has passed all tests does it receive a grade (such as Grade A or Grade B) and go up for sale — backed by a 2-year warranty.
What you're buying is a device that already exists, has been fully inspected, and is ready for years of additional use. That reuse is at the heart of the refurbished phone environmental benefit.
How much CO₂ do you actually save with a refurbished phone?
Let's get specific. Research from sources including the European Environment Agency shows:
- CO₂ savings: up to 70% less emissions compared to new
- Water savings: up to 13,000 litres per device that doesn't need to be manufactured again
- Raw materials: no new mining of cobalt, lithium or rare earth metals required
- E-waste: the device doesn't end up in an incinerator or on a landfill site in West Africa
- Packaging: refurbished devices often come in recycled or minimal packaging
To put it in perspective: commuting by car instead of cycling every day for two years probably has a bigger impact. But choosing a refurbished phone is a decision you make just once — and it immediately saves tens of kilograms of CO₂. That's an easy win.
How the refurbished device cycle works
We see it every day in our workshop: people trading in their old iPhone or Samsung for a newer model. That old device doesn't have to be destroyed. It gets a second life.
Here's how the cycle works, step by step:
- Trade-in or purchase: someone hands in their old device, for example through our trade-in service. You get cash back straight away.
- Inspection: our technicians thoroughly check the device across all components.
- Repair: anything broken or worn is replaced — such as a or a fresh battery.
- Reset and security: all personal data is wiped and the device is restored to factory settings.
- Grading and pricing: based on its condition, the device is given a fair price.
- New owner: the device goes to someone who has consciously chosen refurbished — and chosen the environment.
Every step in that cycle means no new raw materials are extracted, no new factory has to run and no transoceanic shipping route is needed.
Refurbished or new: which should you choose?
Honest advice, even when it doesn't always work in our favour: there are situations where a new device is the better choice. Do you need a very specific new camera feature for professional use? Or do you work in a sector that requires the latest security chips? Then buying new may be justified.
But for most people — and that's the overwhelming majority — a refurbished device offers everything they need. A refurbished iPhone 13 or 14 runs all modern apps, has an excellent camera and receives the latest iOS updates without any issues. A refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 or S23 is every bit as capable.
In our experience, people who switch to refurbished almost never go back to new. The price is lower, the quality is high, and it simply feels good to know you've made a conscious choice.
What The Phone Shopper does for sustainable electronics in Twente
Last week, a family from Hellendoorn walked into our shop: mum, dad and two teenagers. They all wanted an upgrade, but the cost of four new iPhones felt like a serious hit to both the budget and their conscience. We set them up with four certified refurbished iPhones — saving money on the purchase and cutting their environmental impact at the same time.
That's exactly what The Phone Shopper is here for. We're not a large chain with a call centre somewhere far away. We're based at Willem Alexanderstraat 11 in Nijverdal — you can just walk in, hold the devices and ask questions directly to the technicians who repaired and checked them.
Alongside refurbished smartphones, we also stock refurbished MacBooks and iPads. And if you're looking for accessories that stand the test of time, take a look at our accessories. A good case or screen protector extends the life of your device too — and that's another form of sustainability.
Got a device that's broken but would work perfectly well once repaired? Please don't throw it away. Our is exactly what you need: replacing a , swapping a battery, fixing a charging port — often while you wait. Because repairing is even better for the environment than buying refurbished.
Frequently asked questions
Is a refurbished phone really better for the environment?
Yes, and the numbers speak for themselves. By reusing an existing device instead of manufacturing a new one, you save up to 70% in CO₂ emissions and tens of thousands of litres of water. The environmental gain comes primarily from avoiding the energy-intensive production phase of new devices.
What's the difference between refurbished and second-hand?
A second-hand device is simply a used device with no additional checks or warranty. A refurbished device has been professionally inspected, repaired where necessary, thoroughly cleaned and comes with a warranty. At The Phone Shopper, that's a standard 2-year warranty on every refurbished device.
How do I know whether a refurbished phone is reliable?
Look at the warranty period, the grade (A, B or C) and whether the seller has their own workshop. At The Phone Shopper, certified technicians check every device on more than 100 points. So you're not buying a pig in a poke — you're getting a device that's ready for years of use.
Can I trade in my old phone for a refurbished model?
Yes, and it's actually the most sustainable choice you can make. Your old device stays in the cycle, you get money back for it, and you pay less for your refurbished purchase. Through our trade-in page you'll receive an offer within 24 hours, with payment following shortly after.
Are all brands and models available as refurbished?
We carry a wide range: from refurbished iPhones (SE through to the latest Pro Max models) to Samsung Galaxy phones, iPads and MacBooks. Every device has been checked, cleaned and comes with a warranty. Browse the full range on our refurbished overview page.
Is repairing even better for the environment than buying refurbished?
In many cases, yes. If your current device still works well but has a cracked screen or a worn battery, repair is the most sustainable option. You extend the life of a device that already exists without restarting the cycle from scratch. Our technicians in Nijverdal are happy to help — often within the hour.
Ready to make the switch to refurbished, or just want to have a browse without any obligation? Pop into our shop in Nijverdal, give us a call on 0548-549536, or explore our range online. We'd love to help you find a device that puts a smile on your face — and the planet's.
Refurbished iPhones, Samsung en iPads
Bespaar tot 50% op een refurbished iPhone. Elk toestel doorloopt ons 50-punts inspectieproces en wordt geleverd met 2 jaar garantie.
Onze diensten
Waarom The Phone Shopper?
- 2 jaar garantie op alle refurbished telefoons
- 30 dagen bedenktijd en gratis retourneren
- Gratis verzending binnen Nederland
- Professioneel 50-punts inspectieproces
- Veilig betalen met iDEAL, creditcard, Bancontact, Apple Pay en Klarna
- Klantenservice bereikbaar op werkdagen 10:00 - 18:00
Kwaliteitsgraden
Al onze refurbished telefoons worden ingedeeld in kwaliteitsgraden:
- Grade A+ (Als Nieuw) — Geen zichtbare gebruikssporen
- Grade A (Uitstekend) — Minimale gebruikssporen
- Grade B (Goed) — Lichte cosmetische gebruikssporen
Klantenservice & informatie
Contact
The Phone Shopper
Willem Alexanderstraat 11
7442 MA Nijverdal, Overijssel
Tel: +31 548 549 536
E-mail: info@thephoneshopper.nl
KvK: 75693623 | BTW: NL002427182B29
Openingstijden: Ma 13:00-18:00 | Di-Wo & Vr 10:00-18:00 | Do 10:00-20:00 | Za 10:00-17:00 | Zo Gesloten
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