Telefónica has announced that it reused or recycled 95 per cent of the total waste generated across its operations in 2025, moving closer to its stated “Zero Waste” target for 2030. The data forms a core component of the telecommunication provider’s environmental strategy to limit resource consumption and mitigate value-chain greenhouse gas emissions.
During 2025, the company processed more than 4 million electronic units recovered from consumers, technical operations, and corporate offices. Within this electronic waste stream, 75 per cent of the devices were refurbished for reuse, whilst the remaining 25 per cent were routed to recycling facilities. This total included the reclamation of 3 million routers and television set-top boxes.
The circular application was also deployed across the company’s broader infrastructure and retail device segments:
- Network infrastructure: The firm processed more than 780,000 network equipment units for reuse or recycling, satisfying the 100 per cent material recovery industry standard established by the GSMA operator association.
- Mobile handsets: The company collected approximately 95 tonnes of consumer handsets, successfully reintroducing more than 357,000 devices into circulation. The total volume recovered represents 15 per cent of the mobile devices distributed by Telefónica during the period, achieving a 100 per cent combined reuse or recycling rate for the collected hardware.
To standardise material tracing, Telefónica has integrated design and circular procurement guidelines into its supplier contracts, prioritizing hardware durability, repairability, and the utilisation of recycled raw components.
As a result of this supply chain restructuring, recent hardware roll-outs, including the Movistar WiFi 7 and FTTR routers, have been manufactured using 70 per cent recycled plastics. Additionally, the associated commercial packaging was sourced from FSC-certified recycled materials to reduce forestry footprint impacts.
Maya Ormazabal, Global Director of Sustainability at Telefónica, commented, “The circular economy is a priority pillar in our sustainability strategy and a key driver for advancing toward a more efficient, innovative, and competitive company. Through this approach, we contribute to a more responsible use of resources and the reduction of environmental impacts associated with technological activity.”
