Frequently, refurbishers use software programs and databases to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the sorting operations. The reprocessing operation can range from simple testing to genuine repair or reconditioning of parts or subassemblies. Extent and type of reprocessing
is chosen in order to maximize financial return.
All handsets that cannot be reused are sent to recyclers.
Reuse and recycling of cell phones are therefore not independent of each other. In fact, since refurbishers handle the vast majority of collected end-of-use handsets, they are also the largest source of cell phones for recycling [6].
Recyclers, on the other hand, are currently not engaged in end-of-use cell phone collection.