As people continue to ditch their older phones and laptops for newer models, toxic electronic waste is becoming a big problem for the environment, but the U.K.'s Royal Mint is trying to take action by partnering with a Canadian firm to change those devices into something not only more valuable financially but for the planet.

Only 18 per cent of the planet's e-waste is recycled, the rest — 54 million tonnes per year — is essentially burned, releasing those toxic byproducts. The Mint, however, is using technology from Alberta-based Excir at a new plant to extract gold and other precious metals to use in its coins.

Ross Lord takes a look at the process made by Excir and what it could mean for the Earth.

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