A study by Censuswide, commissioned by Virgin Media O2, reveals that the average household has £218 worth of unused mobile phones. Despite this untapped value, only one in 10 people have traded in a device over the past five years.
Virgin Media O2 is urging households to recycle their old smartphones through O2 Recycle, highlighting the benefits for both personal finances and the environment.
Key findings from the research include:
Lack of Awareness: 10 million people don’t know their old tech could be turned into cash.
Uncertainty About Recycling: 35% of people don’t know where to trade in their devices.
Misconceptions About Disposal: Nearly a quarter (24%) believe throwing away old phones in a general bin, local tip, or skip is responsible disposal.
Generational attitudes also vary significantly: Six in 10 Millenials describe themselves as eco-conscious. Fewer than half Gen Z feel the same, and only eight per cent have recycled a mobile phone in the past five years.
“With more than £218 in untapped value per household and only a fraction of Brits recycling their smartphones, Virgin Media O2 hopes to drive a shift in attitudes, making recycling both a financial and environmental win for the nation,” the network said.