UK households are being encouraged to search their homes for forgotten gadgets, as a major phone company reveals a simple hack that could put an average of £145 back in people's pockets.
The £4 Billion Worth of Dusty Tech
Telecoms giant O2 has highlighted that millions of unused video game consoles are languishing in cupboards, lofts, and basements across Britain. The company estimates the total collective value of this idle tech could be as much as £4.14 billion.
This issue often peaks after Christmas, when new consoles received as gifts on December 25 lead to older models being packed away and forgotten. According to O2's research, a significant 49 per cent of Brits admit to having an old console tucked away somewhere at home.
What Happens to Old Consoles?
The survey, reported by the Express, uncovered common attitudes towards outdated tech. More than half (54%) of people hold onto old devices "just in case" they use them again. Of those who got a new tech gift this past Christmas, 18% planned to simply store their old one, while 14% intended to keep it plugged in but rarely touched.
Perhaps most concerning is that 10 per cent of those surveyed confessed they were likely to throw their old console in the bin, contributing to the growing problem of electronic waste.
How the O2 Recycle Scheme Works
O2's solution is its Recycle initiative, which allows anyone—not just O2 customers—to trade in unwanted tech for cash. The scheme offers competitive prices for current-generation consoles:
- Up to £160 for a PlayStation 5.
- Up to £110 for an Xbox Series X.
- Up to £92 for a Nintendo Switch (OLED model).
Once collected, devices are either repaired, refurbished, and resold, or they are responsibly recycled, ensuring no parts end up in landfill. To date, O2 Recycle has processed over four million devices and paid out a staggering £356 million to consumers.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: "With millions of new consoles taking pride of place in gamers’ homes this January, we know it can be overwhelming for Brits to know what to do with their unwanted gaming gadgets."
"That’s why O2 Recycle exists – to keep consoles and other tech in use for longer... By trading in old consoles through O2 Recycle, people can unlock extra cash at a time when many are feeling the January squeeze, while helping to cut down on electronic waste and support a more circular approach to tech."
This initiative presents a timely opportunity for households to declutter, earn money during a traditionally expensive month, and make a positive environmental choice by ensuring valuable materials are reused rather than wasted.
