Got a drawer full of old phones and gadgets? You’re not alone. Current UK-wide findings show households could make £638 on average by trading-in unused tech. Yet millions of devices are still gathering dust or going in the bin. That’s money (and materials) we’re literally throwing away.
In this blog, we break down the numbers in plain English. You’ll see exactly which devices are sitting idle, what they’re worth, and simple steps to trade them for cash. As a leading refurbished tech retailer, The Big Phone Store helps customers sell, recycle, and buy with confidence every day. Let’s turn that clutter into cash.
Why trading in or recycling unused tech matters (for you and the planet):
- Cash in, clutter out: Clear space and fund your next upgrade.
- Protect your data: Reputable recyclers wipe devices to certified standards.
- Cut e-waste: Keep precious materials in the circular economy.
- Lower carbon: Extending device life reduces demand for new manufacturing.
Tip: Even broken devices have value. Don’t assume “faulty” means “worthless”. We actually buy broken devices here at The Big Phone Store—take our quick quiz to see what you could get for your broken phone.
What Is Your Tech Worth?
| Device | Estimated volume in UK homes | Average value if traded-in |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phones | 48.3 million | £136.46 |
| Tablets | 26.7 million | £144.52 |
| Smartwatches | 14.8 million | £81.36 |
| Hearables | 72.7 million | £53.52 |
| Gaming consoles | 16.2 million | £80.16 |
| MacBooks | 6.2 million | £205.17 |
How to trade in your unused tech in three easy steps:
1) Gather and sort
- Empty the “tech drawer.” Include phones, tablets, smartwatches, chargers, earphones, consoles, and laptops—any old tech you’ve got lying around, because you never know how much it could be worth.
- Group by type and condition: working, minor faults (e.g., weak battery), not powering on.
2) Check your prices
- Get instant quotes from a reputable recycler or trade-in service. You can check your value right here at The Big Phone Store.
- Compare values across devices, and start planning what to do with the extra money that could be coming your way.
- Prioritise items with the highest offers (phones, tablets, laptops).
Common hurdles (and quick fixes):
- “My device is too old.”
Older phones still have parts value. Get a quote before you bin it. - “It’s smashed—no one will want it.”
Cracked screens, weak batteries, and cosmetic wear are normal. Many recyclers accept them. In fact, we even pay for them here. - “I’m worried about my data.”
Choose a recycler that provides certified data wiping. Here at The Big Phone Store, we have a strict process and protocol to ensure your data is kept protected and wiped. - “I don’t have the original charger.”
That’s fine. Sending a phone or tablet? We don’t need it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Yes. Back up, sign out of accounts, and factory reset. Recyclers should also perform certified data erasure – this will be done here at The Big Phone Store.
Yes, depending on the fault, you could still be paid. And your quote is backed by our honesty policy.
Not required if you are sending a phone or tablet. Any other device? You will need them.
Conclusion
The numbers are clear: trading-in unused tech is one of the fastest ways to tidy your home, protect the planet, and gain £638 per household on average. Don’t let old phones, tablets, and laptops sit idle—or worse, end up in the bin. Turn them into money or pass them on to someone who’ll use them.
At The Big Phone Store, we make it simple to sell, recycle, or upgrade with confidence. Ready to get started?
Useful Links:
- Start your trade-in here!
- Browse our range of refurbished phones and find your next upgrade.
- Still unsure? Contact The Big Phone Store team. We’re here to help.
Data source: UK consumer research released to coincide with Global Recycling Day (18 March 2025), indicating average household earnings of £638 from recycling unused tech, device hoarding habits, and potential values by category. Study conducted by Virgin Media O2.
