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Universal mobile phone chargers make sense
7/Jan/2011
Sims Recycling Solutions welcomes the news that the EU has finally approved the introduction into the European market of a universal mobile phone charger. The harmonisation of standards for the manufacture of universal phone chargers means that manufacturers can now sell phones that do not require a unique charging device. This will eliminate a significant volume of electronic waste which is generated by out of date equipment.
According to reports, the new charger will reduce standby energy consumption by 50%, eliminate 51,000 tons of redundant chargers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13.6 million tons per year.
Sims Recycling Solutions’ Myles Pilkington, said: “Not only does the one-charger-fits-all make sense in terms of reducing the number of chargers being unnecessarily manufactured, but the universal charger also has a four star energy efficiency rating which is up to three times more energy efficient than an unrated charger. So it makes a lot of sense both in terms of conserving the materials used in the manufacture of chargers and in reducing carbon emissions.”
The International Telecommunications Union originally approved a universal charger in October of 2009, after many European phone manufacturers signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to collaborate on the product’s development.
Myles concluded: “The universal chargers will bring great benefits to the environment but it is worth remembering, also, that a lot of the energy is wasted when mobile phone chargers are left plugged into the electricity supply whilst not charging a phone. So to maximise the environmental benefits of the new chargers, consumers should remember always to unplug the charger when not in use.”
The European bodies for standardization (CEN-CENELEC and ETSI) have said that the first universal charger-compatible phone will be available within weeks.