O2 has revealed it has paid out more than a quarter of a billion pounds to tech users recycling their old devices through its O2 Recycle scheme.
The initiative was launched in 2009 and has led to the recycling of around 3.3 million devices – hundreds of tonnes of e-waste with zero going to landfill.
Almost 95 per cent of the tech that comes into the scheme is refurbished and reused, according to O2.
O2’s partnership with Ingram Micro began in April 2020 and has saved more than 128,000 devices from going to landfill and paid back more than £18 million to customers.
More than 20,000 recycled devices have already been repurposed for O2’s Like New scheme, meaning they go on to be refurbished and data wiped for new owners.
O2 head of corporate responsibility and sustainability Tracey Herald said: “E-waste is reportedly the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream, so schemes like O2 Recycle that give old tech a new lease of life and keep it out of landfill have never been so important.
“As well as supporting the circular economy, O2 customers using the scheme have the option to use their Recycle payment as a cashback boost towards their next phone, so they can upgrade sustainably.
“£250 million and 3.3 million devices later, it’s clear to see that O2 Recycle customers care about the environment just as much as we do – and we’re looking forward to helping more people make greener choices as we strive to become net-zero by 2025.”
