Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medals are Made From Recycled Electronics

Jul. 26, 2019

According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the massive project saw more than 1,300 educational institutions and 2,100 electronic stores from around the country donate electronic waste to the effort, alongside regular citizens concerned about the environment. These medals are 100 percent sustainable and would not be possible without the generosity of the people of Japan, said the organizers.

According to the organizing committee, the medals are designed to“resemble rough stones that have been polished and which now shine brightly, reflecting the athletes journey from beginner to Olympic champion”. They also said:“The medals collect and reflect myriad patterns of light, symbolizing the energy of the athletes and those who support them”.

As per the statement:“A total of 78,985 tons of discarded devices were collected, a haul which included approximately 6.21 million used mobile phones, along with digital cameras, handheld games and laptops, all of which were then classified, dismantled and melted down by highly trained contractors”.

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