The advent of affordable technology also gave rise to swaths of old technology being shoved in cupboards and boxes in households all over the country. Once the latest in technology, these gadgets are cast aside as technology quickly progresses leaving them behind. For every new iPhone, there’s an old flip phone covering dust back at home.
As well as being a waste, not recycling your gadgets is bad for the environment and the economy. Old gadgets can either be sold on to those who aren’t obsessed with having the latest iPhone or dismantled for parts which can be used again.
The Big Guns Recycle
Most of the tech companies you buy your gadgets from have their very own recycling programs. Whilst most don’t offer you any money for your old gadget, some (including Apple) will offer you store credit for your old items. Some of the brands will even accept gadgets from their competitors but you’ll have to check before sending them.
Some brands will even refurbish the gadgets and donate them to third world countries.
Donations Welcome
Whilst it’s great to earn money. A lot of your old gadgets really aren’t worth any sort of value you’ll be happy with. When you remember paying £80 for your portable MP3 player, being offered £4.15 for it is probably just going to leave a sour taste in your mouth. A better option is to just donate your items and take the good feeling that goes with knowing you’ve helped someone.
Make A Quick Buck
For some, the appeal of earning some beer money on your old gadgets is just too appealing. Sites such as OnRecycle allow you to trade in your old mobiles and laptops for money which guarantee to offer you the most money for your gadget. The good thing about these sites is that they want your business so they’ll make the process as easy as possible by sending out a secure, tracked and insured pre-paid package to put your items in.
Whether you choose to recycle, donate or sell your item is completely up to you but we strongly advise not leaving them in your cupboards for years. It’s estimated the unused gadgets in the UK alone have a value of over £1 billion and it’s a huge waste to have all that value just trapped in boxes and cupboards up and down the country.
