Mining fortunes from electronic waste

Firms that recycle tons of old gadgets may hit pay dirt if subsidies and venture capital come their way, say experts

Ever wondered what happens to millions of old mobile phones, laptops and other assorted hardware junk as a billion-plus consumers buy new devices every once in a while?

Well, these days, old devices, millions of them, find their way to online platforms such as Aihuishou.com and Ihuigo.com. Such platforms either channel them to recycling firms if they are deemed low-value items or resell them as used-goods at attractive prices.