The phase-out of Virgin Media O2’s 3G network could generate electronic waste worth £13m, including £10.3m from just 146 kilograms of gold, according to new research from BusinessWaste.co.uk.
The analysis highlights the environmental and economic implications of decommissioning legacy network technologies, with millions of devices rendered obsolete and valuable raw materials at stake.
The report predicts that the 3G switch-off on the VMO2 network will affect approximately 4.3 million people across the UK, potentially generating 70,516 kilograms of e-waste—equivalent to the weight of nearly six double-decker buses. Researchers estimate a total material value of £13,769,488, with metals like copper, silver, gold, and palladium contributing significantly to this figure:
Copper 68,800 kilograms – £509,808
Silver 1,505 kilograms – £1,223,535
Gold 146 kilograms – £10,397,184
Palladium 65 kilograms – £1,638,961
Mark Hall,waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said:
“The decision to switch off 3G and 2G networks will inevitably lead to a huge amount of e-waste and leave a significant impact on our environment. E-waste is the world’s fastest-growing solid waste stream, with more than 50 million tonnes generated globally each year.
The good news is that the majority of materials in devices are recyclable. By recycling old phones, businesses and consumers can reduce their carbon footprint, minimize landfill waste, and mitigate harmful environmental effects from hazardous substances leaking into soil and ecosystems.”
