'Green' phones remain far from reach, report says

Makers of mobile phones produce few "green" models with biodegradable, recycled, or fully recyclable materials. And although most vendors offer recycling options, less than five percent of the world's handsets will be recycled ethically in the end, according to a report released by ABI Research Monday via cnet news.

Cell phones are a growing source of potentially toxic electronics waste. Among some 150 million handsets retired every year, fewer than 20 percent are recycled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Nokia's Remade concept phone would use recycled and recyclable materials inside and out.

However, it's unprofitable for most companies to release dedicated eco-friendly models on a massive scale, the ABI report suggested.

ABI Research report: “Green” Handsets Subject to Conflicting Social and Economic Forces

emily | 9:13 AM | Technology |
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