Recycle your old phone for a bit of extra cash

Got an old phone or two cluttering up a drawer at home? Here’s how to unlock value from your unwanted devices.

If you’ve currently got a few old phones stuffed out of sight somewhere at home, you’re not alone. Research suggests 7 million old smartphones are languishing in cupboards or drawers around the UK, worth a whopping £500 million. But if you’re keen to declutter, don’t throw unwanted devices away. An estimated 61.3 million tonnes of electronic waste is predicted to be discarded in 2023 alone: more than the weight of the Great Wall of China.

14 October 2023 is International E-waste Day, an annual celebration raising awareness of how to responsibly manage unwanted electronics. So, there’s no better time to learn how you can recycle your old devices with O2 – and nab yourself some extra cash in the process. That’s what we call a win-win.

person holding their phone and sitting with a laptop

What is O2 Recycle?

It’s our eco-conscious platform where we make it unbelievably easy to recycle your old devices. Simply search for your smartphone on the O2 Recycle website, add to basket, and place your order via checkout. Then you just have to package up your device (remembering to upload any personal data to your preferred cloud system, and remove your sim or memory card first) and post it off to us. Here’s a bit more info about how O2 Recycle works. Added bonus: it’s open to everyone, not just O2 customers.

person fixing a phone

How does O2 reuse old devices?

We have a zero landfill policy, so the vast majority of phones we receive will be reused, repaired or recycled for parts. You can also play your part in protecting the environment by responsibly disposing of your device and accessory packaging. Find out more about the recycling symbols on our packaging and how to recycle these items.

apple watch on a wrist

Is O2 Recycle just for smartphones?

Nope. We’ll also recycle simple mobile phones, tablets, Apple AirPods and wearable electronic devices such as smartwatches. It’s exactly the same process –just type in your device model name, IMEI or serial number into the O2 Recycle website to make sure we accept your item. Unfortunately, we can’t recycle devices with no resale value, so if your device isn’t listed, we aren’t accepting them at the moment.

cash in someones back pocket

How can I make money from O2 Recycle?

Once we’ve received your device, we’ll pay you for it. The amount you’ll get depends on the device’s model and condition. For example, a Samsung Galaxy S22 with 128GB storage could be worth up to £190.25 (as of 4 October 2023) - while an Apple iPhone 13 with 128GB storage could get you up to £349.25 (as of 4 October 2023). Don’t worry if yours is a bit battered - we’ll still take it if it’s broken. The money will reach your bank account within 3-5 working days. We can also use the recycle money to credit your O2 Device Plan, lowering your ongoing monthly payments. Just choose Device Plan Credit in the payment options section. Simple, sustainability-minded actions that make you some cash at the same time? We’re into it.

Published: 10 Oct 2023