Labor costs per mobile phone disassembly under three scenarios 2016

* Scenario A: Removal of hazardous materials and high value components before mechanical shredding.
Scenario B: In addition to A, removal of components with reuse market value and pure materials that can be removed with reasonable effort.
Scenario C: In addition to B, disassembly of a device into pure materials as possible prior to mechanical shredding.

** Low minimum wage corresponds to $7.25/hr, standard in OK, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, TX, UT, VA, WI, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The lowest labor rate in states with mandates is $5.15/hr in WY and GA.
High minimum wage corresponds to $9.60/hr, found in CT, RI, and VT. The highest labor rates in the US can be found in CA ($10.00/hr) and Washington, D.C. ($10.50/hr).