What if your mobile phone or laptop could have a second life?

Swico Recycling is a non-profit take-back scheme for discarded electrical and electronic equipment. Each year, we collect more than 40,000 tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment across Switzerland, including 500,000 laptops and 900,000 mobile phones. Until now, this equipment has been dismantled into its raw materials at Swiss recycling facilities. We asked ourselves: what if the equipment could be used again instead of being dismantled? To find out, we are running a pilot study and collecting mobile phones and laptops at four collection points. This is one of the pilot collection points. We are breaking new ground: a device can be reused only if it is collected carefully and consumers have given their consent. We assess whether the devices can be reused and repaired. During this current pilot phase, the devices will not yet be reused. Our promise to you: we are working on reuse and are asking for your support now. Help by handing in your device here. The study results will help us gain experience and develop processes so that mobile phones and laptops can be given a second life throughout Switzerland in future. Swico Recycling is non-profit, both for this study and for any future collections.

Instructions for iOS

1. Go to “Settings”.
2. Tap “General” and scroll down, then select “Transfer or Reset [Device]”.
3. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings” and follow the instructions.

Instructions for Android devices

You can usually reset your Android device using the “Settings” app. First remove your Google Account in the “Accounts and backup” section. Then reset your device to factory settings. Android reset instructions (Google Help)

Instructions for macOS

1. Go to “Settings”.
2. Click “General”, then “Transfer or Reset [Device]”.
3. Select “Erase All Content and Settings” and follow the instructions.

Instructions for Windows devices

You can reset your device through the recovery settings. Search for “Recovery settings” or “Update and recovery”. Select “Reset this PC” or “Recovery”. Make sure you choose the option to “Remove everything”.