Choosing a refurbished phone is first and foremost a practical decision: you can get the device you need at a lower price. It can also be a more considered choice for the planet, because it keeps a usable device in service for longer.
Why keeping devices in use matters
Electronic waste is a growing global challenge. The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 reports that the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022. Extending the useful life of a phone is one practical way to reduce the pressure to replace working technology too soon.
Refurbished does not mean disposable
A refurbished device should be assessed on its own merits: condition, battery health, warranty, returns and the checks completed before sale. At Reloopo, refurbished iPhones are 30-point checked, unlocked and supplied with 82%+ battery health, alongside a 12-month warranty and 14-day returns.
A more circular choice
Buying refurbished does not make a phone impact-free, and it should not be presented as a substitute for responsible recycling. It is simply a way to make better use of a device that is still capable of serving its next owner.
Watch: why keeping tech in use matters
Reloopo sustainability short film. Figures shown are based on the ITU Global E-waste Monitor 2024.
When a phone eventually reaches the end of its usable life, use a suitable electronics-recycling route rather than putting it in household waste. The World Health Organization notes that e-waste can pose environmental and health risks when it is not managed safely.
Make the choice that lasts
The most sustainable phone is not always the newest one. If a refurbished model meets your needs for storage, camera, screen size and battery health, choosing it can help you get more value from technology already in circulation.
Explore refurbished iPhones at Reloopo.
Related guides: what to expect from Reloopo and how to buy refurbished with confidence.