A study conducted by Virgin Media O2 revealed almost three-quarters (74%) of Brits who have held unwanted technology for at least five years.
However, 81% say they will clear their tech and recycle unnecessary devices if they can earn cash, while an additional 72% donate their devices to those in need.
How to save money
Despite these numbers, around 92 million electrical equipment has been thrown into bins over the past five years, including mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches and gaming consoles.
Now ahead of Global Recycling Day (18th March), Virgin Media O2 is urging Brits to reconsider throwing away unnecessary electrical equipment as they could miss out on the chance to earn £638.
How much can you make from unnecessary electrical devices?
According to Virgin Media O2, the amounts you can make for unnecessary/unused electrical devices (on average) are as follows:
Mobile phone – £136.46 (Estimated 48.3 million in UK households) Tablet – £144.52 (26.7 million) Smartwatch – £81.36 (14.8 million) Hearing impairment – £53.52 (72.7 million) Game console – £80.16 (16.2 million) MacBooks – £205.17)
UK households can earn over £600 for unnecessary electrical equipment. (Image: Virgin Media O2) Virgin Media O2 is calling on Birits to “exchange garbage for cash” through the O2 recycling scheme.
This scheme is open to anyone, regardless of mobile operators, and accepts smartphones, tablets, wearables, earphones, MacBooks and consoles.
Items you should collect to make the most money
How to claim cashback via O2 Recycling
To charge money for your old device via O2 recycling, all you have to do is follow these 5 simple steps.
Find your device (Use the O2 website – use the link above). Please place your order. Be prepared for everything – delete your personal data from your device and delete your SIM/memory card. Send to O2 – Package it with an order summary and take it to the post office (O2 tells you to send high value items via recorded delivery). Pay “Fast” – Once O2 receives the device, payment will arrive in your bank account within 3-5 business days.
Some devices can earn up to £891.
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Nicola Green of Virgin Media O2 said:
“That's why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in which people work on e-waste and help people take over their unwanted technology to protect the planet.
“This includes recycling O2, where British people can make money for old electronic devices, community calls can donate smartphones to those in need, or send small devices for recycling.”