UK households could make £638 by recycling their unused tech devices, according to new research from Virgin Media O2.
The findings were released to coincide with Global Recycling Day (18 March) and show households are missing out on an average of £638 from recycling their unused tech.
The research estimates 92 million electrical devices – including phones, tablets, smartwatches and gaming consoles – have been thrown in the bin in the last five years, costing the average household £370.
Despite 65% of people saying they understand the environmental impact of throwing electronics in the bin, 79% admit to discarding devices along with their general rubbish.
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Unused devices stashed in UK homes
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Device |
Estimated volume of devices in UK homes |
Average value of item if recycled |
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Mobile phones |
48.3 million |
£136.46 |
|
Tablets |
26.7 million |
£144.52 |
|
Smartwatches |
14.8 million |
£81.36 |
|
Hearables |
72.7 million |
£53.52 |
|
Gaming consoles |
16.2 million |
£80.16 |
|
MacBooks |
6.2 million |
£205.17 |
Research find households are hoarding unused tech
The study also revealed Britain is a nation of hoarders, with 74% saying they’ve held onto unwanted tech for at least five years or more.
However, 81% say they would clear out their tech and recycle unwanted devices if it could earn them cash, while a further 72% would donate their devices to someone in need.
Commenting on the findings, Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 said: “Most homes have a drawer of doom that’s crammed with dozens of unused devices gathering dust, that could otherwise earn Brits cash or be reused by someone else.
“That’s why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in tackling e-waste and helping people pass on their unwanted tech to help protect the planet.
“This includes O2 Recycle where Brits can make money for their old electronics, Community Calling where they can donate a smartphone to someone in need or taking a small device to an O2 store where it’ll be sent off for recycling.”
The O2 Recycle scheme is open to anyone regardless of their mobile operator and accepts smartphones, tablets, wearables, earbuds, MacBooks and consoles.
