The constant advancements in cellphone technology, coupled with their relatively low initial cost and the trend of planned obsolescence, such as with Apple iPhones, contribute to a rapid turnover of devices. As a result, there is a staggering surplus of 100-120 million discarded phones annually, making them one of the fastest-growing forms of electronic waste worldwide. Cell phones contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, arsenic, and other toxic compounds harmful to the environment.

In certain states, mobile phones are classified as hazardous waste due to the chemicals they contain, which can seep into groundwater systems from landfills. Electronic scrap currently makes up 70% of the toxic waste in landfills across the USA.