From April 2017 to March 2019, Japan collected electronics through two national channels. Under the 2020 Medal Project, NTT Docomo shops took in about 6.21 million used phones, while municipalities collected approximately 78,985 tonnes of small electronic devices. Through them all, recyclers were able to extract 32 kilograms of gold, 3,500 kilograms of silver and 2,200 kilograms of bronze. These were then used to make the 5,000 Olympic and Paralympic medals.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
