Japan recycled 6.21 million used phones to make 5,000 Tokyo Olympic medals

Japan embarked on a groundbreaking initiative ahead of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, gathering millions of used electronics and phones. This effort resulted in the extraction of significant gold, silver, and bronze from these devices by recyclers. The recovered metals were then transformed into the medals awarded at the events, reflecting a nationwide commitment to sustainability and innovative recycling practices involving local municipalities and businesses.

Source: Times of India September 11, 2026 11:58 UTC