Brits could make up to £541 from old tech ahead of Christmas with O2 Recycle
With Christmas fast approaching, Virgin Media O2 says households could unlock hundreds of pounds by trading in unused gadgets through its newly revamped O2 Recycle scheme.
The company’s latest research reveals that two-thirds (67%) of Brits would recycle their old tech to boost their festive budgets – with the average person able to earn up to £541 from unwanted devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and consoles.
The findings come just 72 days before Christmas and coincide with International E-Waste Day (14 October), which highlights the growing environmental impact of discarded electronics.
Cash for Christmas costs
Brits estimate they’ll spend around £311 on gifts, £169 on food, and £82 on decorations this year – but rising costs have many looking for extra income. Four in ten (40%) people are already searching for ways to make more money, while six in ten admit they’re worried about how they’ll afford the festive season.
Virgin Media O2 says its upgraded O2 Recycle service offers a simple solution: users can trade in up to five devices at once and get either cash or credit towards a new phone or plan. Devices are securely data-wiped, refurbished and resold, or responsibly recycled with zero waste sent to landfill.
How much can you earn?
According to O2, the average payouts include:
- Smartphones: £148
- Tablets: £112
- Smartwatches: £78
- Earbuds: £46
- Consoles: £34
- MacBooks: £78
O2 Recycle has already paid out more than £354 million since launching in 2009 and has recycled over four million devices to date.
‘Sitting on a treasure trove’
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“Many Brits are worried about the cost of Christmas, but they could be sitting on a treasure trove of unused tech.
With our revamped O2 Recycle service, we’ve made it easier than ever to trade in unwanted gadgets and give them a second life, while helping customers earn extra cash or credit towards something new.”
The scheme is open to anyone, regardless of mobile provider. Devices can be posted free of charge via the O2 Recycle website, with full instructions for trade-in and payment options.
