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Your Old Phones Are Probably Sitting in a Drawer and Researchers Say That Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think
ZME Science • • technology
Key Points:
- A survey of 4,000 American consumers found that 39% of people simply store their old electronic devices, while only about 10% recycle or resell them, and 9% throw them in the trash.
- Key reasons for storing devices include anxiety about data security and not knowing where to recycle, with data concerns increasing the likelihood of storage by up to 14%.
- Recycling and reselling electronics are more accessible than many realize, with options like Best Buy for recycling and online vendors such as Back Market and Gazelle for reselling, provided users wipe their data and remove accounts.
- Researchers emphasize that the decision to keep or dispose of devices involves trade-offs among various options, and better information and nudges can encourage people to give their old electronics a second life.
- Storing devices is environmentally and financially disadvantageous since unused devices lose value over time and data erasure becomes harder, highlighting the need for improved education on secure data wiping and recycling processes.
