The telecommunications company estimated that the practice could have cost the average household £370.
The study comes ahead of Global Recycling Day tomorrow (18 March 2025) and found that while almost two thirds (65%) of people saying they understand the environmental impact of throwing electronics in the bin, nearly 8 in ten (79%) admit to discarding devices along with their general rubbish.
The study also found that almost three quarters (74%) of the British public say they’ve held onto unwanted tech for at least five years or more.
However, 81% say they’d clear out their tech and recycle their unwanted devices if it could earn them cash, while a further 72% would donate their devices to someone in need.
Virgin Media O2 is calling on the public to recycle unused gadgets through its “cash for trash” scheme O2 Recycle.
Anyone can send devices to O2 Recycle with free postage where it will be data wiped and then repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled.
People can also take their small electronics in person to any O2 store for recycling.
Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 said: “Most homes have a drawer of doom that’s crammed with dozens of unused devices gathering dust, that could otherwise earn Brits cash or be reused by someone else.
“That’s why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in tackling e-waste and helping people pass on their unwanted tech to help protect the planet.
“This includes O2 Recycle where Brits can make money for their old electronics, Community Calling where they can donate a smartphone to someone in need or taking a small device to an O2 store where it’ll be sent off for recycling.”
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