Flipkart has introduced a new Exchange Program for non-functional phones and other electronics.
In brief
Users will be able to exchange their defunct large appliances for upgraded products including television, refrigerator, washing machine, laptops, smartphones, and feature phones.
The company intends to address the issue of electronic waste and simultaneously give users the convenience of disposing of appliances they may not be able to from home.
The exchange will take place in a single visit.
Benefits
Customers can hand over their non-working devices to the company instead of having to look for individual buyers.
They will also benefit from buyback offers, hand-in-hand exchange of upgraded products, and the convenience of doorstep pick-up.
Exchange value
The platform will offer an exchange value for the defunct devices.
However, it has not disclosed the specific criteria and value calculation.
Logistics
Flipkart will also take care of the logistics including picking up heavy appliances.
It has partnered with authorized vendors who will manage the disposal process.
Fate of the devices
What will happen to the devices will depend on their condition.
Flipkart will assess if the devices can be refurbished.
If not, they will be evaluated for recycling and if that is not possible, proper and responsible disposal will be ensured.
Addressing issue of e-waste
The building up of e-waste is caused by improper disposal of such appliances which needs to be done responsibly.
Adarsh Menon, senior vice president and head of new businesses, Flipkart said, “India is the third largest e-waste generator in the world (with 3.2 million tonnes in 2019); however, only 10 percent of the waste is collected for recycling, as per MEITY policy paper (source) which necessitates the shift to a more circular approach for the sector.
With the new exchange program for non-functional appliances, we want to provide our customers with an innovative, sustainable, and convenient solution to discard unused electronic and large appliances and upgrade to a product they aspire to have.
Apart from benefitting our valued customers, this program will act as a catalyst to transition to a circular economy and reduce the impact on the environment,” he added.
Data in devices
Flipkart assured that it will take the required measures to erase the data in smartphones, feature phones, and laptops before being refurbished or disposed of.
