Vodafone Spain has channeled 970,174 kilos of devices from its customers towards reuse or recycling during the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to the data included in its sustainability report.
This amount highlights the operator's progress in managing its users' equipment through programs focused on reuse, repair, and recycling, in line with the principles of the circular economy.
By not engaging in the manufacturing of terminals, the company directs its strategy to promote business models that encourage the reuse, repair, and recycling of devices, helping to extend their lifespan and recover materials. To this end, it applies a waste policy that prioritizes these practices, working with managers who meet legal requirements and with control systems to ensure the proper treatment of hazardous waste.
Throughout the fiscal year, the company recovered nearly one million fixed broadband and television devices, of which approximately 75% were allocated to new subscriptions after undergoing recovery and reuse processes.
This effort is complemented by its device buyback service in good condition in exchange for discounts, which is structured through agreements with specialized companies. Thanks to this, refurbished terminals are put on the market in other countries, facilitating access to technology at a lower cost and contributing to reducing both the need to manufacture new devices and the associated consumption of raw materials.
Repair of terminals and emissions avoided in the network
On the other hand, the operator has repaired 50,008 terminals, tablets, smartwatches, and other devices.
Users can use this service at any Vodafone store or request it at their own home, with the possibility of having a replacement device at no cost during the approximately five working days that the repair lasts -- seven days in the Canary Islands --. This option is reinforced with the "Vodafone Care" insurance against accidental damage or theft for a monthly fee.
In the field of the network, Vodafone is part of "Asset Marketplace," a business solution based on the circular economy that facilitates the sale and reuse of network equipment, antennas, racks, and spare parts.
In addition to reducing investments, generating income, and shortening delivery times, this platform allowed for avoiding an estimated emission of 1,369 tons of CO2 equivalent during the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to the calculation methodology used.
Likewise, when devices stop functioning and cannot be reused, they are sent for recycling through their buyback, after-sales, or logistics services, following the established procedures.
Less plastic in SIM cards and packaging
In the chapter on material reduction, the operator continues to advance in the elimination of plastic SIMs thanks to the digital eSIM, available since this year also for prepaid customers and compatible with a wide range of devices.
Similarly, it has halved the amount of plastic used in physical SIMs ("Half-SIM") compared to the previous format and has continued deploying "Eco-SIMs," made from recycled plastic.
Regarding packaging, Vodafone maintains measures such as the removal of messenger bags for sending SIM cards, the use of protective bags with lower plastic weight, and the elimination of plastic wire ties for holding cables and chargers.
For the packaging of collected devices, reusable materials are used, such as "korrvy" type boxes made with recycled plastic, which secure the product without the need for additional filler material.
Finally, the operator collaborates with other operators in "Eco Rating," a sectoral system that evaluates the environmental performance of mobile phones and helps consumers compare the environmental characteristics of different devices. In addition, it incorporates into the equipment approval process the verification that manufacturers comply with national regulations on electrical and electronic devices.