What is e-waste, and why is it a problem?
Electronic waste (e-waste) is anything with a plug or a battery. It’s one of the fastest growing waste-streams, so it’s important that we reuse electronics for as long as possible, then dispose of them responsibly. When broken or unwanted electronics end up in landfill, toxic substances like lead and mercury can leach into soil and water.
The UK is currently one of the largest producers of e-waste per capita. Just 20% of e-waste is currently being recycled, with millions of devices still being hoarded in drawers, attics and garages all over the country. Getting these devices back into circulation through reuse and donation reduces the need for new ones. For those devices that have reached the end of their usable life, recycling is the best option.
You can help get devices back into circulation by clearing out old electronics from drawers, cupboards and garages. It’s a win- win – for you, and for our planet.
Ways you can reduce e-waste
Make sustainable choices to reduce e-waste and contribute to the circular economy
Sell your device
With O2 Recycle, you can get cash for your old devices, or use their trade-in value to contribute to the up-front cost of a new device.
Buy a refurbished phone
Our Like New range gives a second life to phones. They're refurbished and affordable.
Rehome your old phone
Donate your phone to the Community Calling initiative, and we’ll offer 12 months of free data to someone who needs it.
Return your Virgin equipment
TV set-top boxes, broadband hubs, WiFi boosters and pods. They can all be reused and recycled if you return them to us
Recycle your small electronics
Pop into an O2 store to drop off your old electronics, and we’ll make sure they’re responsibly recycled.
Repairing or replacing your device
Got a broken device? Getting it repaired may be cheaper and easier than you think. Find out more about device repairs
Even if your tech can’t be saved, you can still help save the planet with Recycle Your Electricals –a UK wide campaign with a mission to get the UK reusing and recycling old unwanted electricals. Take a look at their website for lots of useful advice, including how to remove your data from devices, and local recycling locations.
For other electrical items
The Restart Project is a social enterprise with the idea that every product should be repairable. Visit their website to find a community repair event near you.
Creating a Circular Economy
We’re committed to achieving zero waste products and services by 2025 and we’re supporting our customers to make 10 million circular actions
Connectivity is already transforming the way we live our lives, and it has the potential to play a vital role in a more circular future. In today’s digitally connected world, we are seeing the increasing challenge of e-waste, which is the fastest growing waste stream on the planet. In fact, just 20% of e-waste is currently recycled, with millions of devices still being hoarded in drawers, attics and garages all over the country.
Take a look at our video about how you can help tackle e-waste:
