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Driven by sentimental value, concerns over data security and/or uncertainty over proper disposal methods, U.S. consumers are holding onto their electronic devices even as they invest in the latest-and-greatest tech tools. The mountain of discarded devices (aka “e-waste”)—from smartphones and laptops to refrigerators and televisions—is growing at an alarming rate, outpacing the world’s capacity to manage it responsibly.
The amount of e-waste hiding in desk drawers, dressers and storage totes is also escalating and could lead to an even bigger problem down the road. According to a new CNET survey, 31% of U.S. adults are holding onto unused devices:
- Over three in 10 (31%) U.S. adults hang onto old devices because they aren’t sure what to do with smartphones, video game consoles, laptops and other tech accessories they no longer use.
- Nearly one in five (19%) U.S. adults throw away these devices.
- However, many prefer to trade in their old devices for an exchange or upgrade (37%), while 25% are selling them.
- 29% use a recycling service to dispose of old tech.
- 19% toss old devices in the trash.
CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey, which involved 2,511 adult participants.
It says some of the most popular disposal methods include giving the electronic to a loved one or recycling it. Some U.S. adults even try selling their devices for some extra cash. By the numbers, nearly 25% of U.S. adults recycle their computers and computer accessories; 18% give the old computer to family or friends; and 21% are unsure of what to do with their old computers.
Holding Onto Obsolete Devices
In a separate survey, roughly 88% of Americans hold onto old electronic gadgets they no longer use. That’s about 1.3 billion devices with a total worth about $67 billion stashed away in homes at this moment, estimates buying and selling platforms SellCell.com and SellMobile.com. Their survey was based on a survey of 2,000 participants that compares the electronics “hoarding” habits of consumers in the U.S. to those in the U.K.
“Keeping outdated devices at home may seem harmless, but it can lead to clutter, environmental risks, and wasted valuable materials,” says Sarah McConomy, COO at SellCell.com and SellMobile.com, in the report. “Instead of letting devices collect dust, selling them can yield financial rewards for owners, but still many people leave technology stored in garages, cellars and cupboards.”
Steps in the Right Direction
Earth Day, which took place on April 22nd, was a good time to bring awareness to the world’s growing mountain of e-waste. In “Spring Cleaning for Earth Day: Where to Recycle Computers and Printers for Free,” CNET’s Tamara Palmer reminds everyone that throwing away old devices is actually illegal, and can draw hefty fines in some states.
“Recycling computers and printers can be as easy as bringing them to major retailers like Best Buy, Office Depot and Staples. Some stores will even give you credit for offloading your old devices, as hard as it is to let go of them,” she recommends. Wherever you choose to take or mail in your items to be recycled, you'll want to protect your data by removing it as best you can. One way to do this is to perform a factory reset on your computer.
The electronics manufacturers themselves are also doing their part to help minimize e-waste and ensure responsible disposal of their products. For example, you can recycle your old Apple computers, monitors and peripherals, such as printers, for free at an Apple store. “According to the Apple Free Recycling program, you must also purchase a qualifying Apple computer or monitor to receive this service,” Palmer writes, noting that a third-party company called Gazelle buys old MacBooks to recycle them.
Businesses and consumers can bring their old desktop computers, laptops, printers and more to the Staples checkout counter to be recycled for free (even if they weren’t purchased there). The retailer also has a free at-home battery recycling box which has led customers to recycle thousands of batteries per week (up from an earlier average of 50 per week).
