You might be fascinated with upgrading your smartphone or laptop computer simply in case tariffs wind up having an influence on tech this yr, however what’s going to you do together with your previous gadget?
CNET discovered that over three in 10 (31%) US adults dangle onto previous units as a result of they are not certain what to do with smartphones, online game consoles, laptops and different tech equipment they not use. Practically one in 5 (19%) US adults throw away these units. Nonetheless, many favor to commerce of their previous units for an change or improve (37%), whereas 25% are promoting them.
Should you want some further money, promoting your previous units can assist and even offset the price of the brand new gadget you are eyeing. Alternatively, in case your gadget is damaged or too outdated to promote, specialists suggest recycling it to keep away from polluting the surroundings and hogging up house in your dresser drawers. Plus, invaluable supplies like copper and aluminum might be reused.
This is what the newest CNET survey discovered about how US adults are disposing of tech they do not need anymore and ideas for what you are able to do with yours.
Key takeaways:
- 31% of US adults are nonetheless holding on to previous tech units as a result of they don’t seem to be certain what to do with them.
- 37% of People commerce in or change their previous units, whereas 25% promote them.
- 29% use a recycling service to get rid of previous tech, whereas 19% toss previous units within the trash.
Watch this: Make Cash for Recycling Previous Tech and Let the Damaged iPhone Go
Over one-third of US adults commerce in or change their previous tech
Many US adults (37%) commerce in smartphones, gaming units, laptops and equipment for one more gadget or an improve. That may turn out to be useful if a retailer gives a reduction on the brand new gadget in change for the commerce.
Different well-liked disposal strategies embody giving it to a cherished one or recycling it. Some US adults even attempt promoting their units, which may usher in some further money. This is a more in-depth take a look at some widespread disposal strategies based mostly on CNET’s survey.
Learn extra: Spring Cleansing? Free Professional Tech Recycling Suggestions for a Greener House
maximize the worth of your smartphone trade-in
One-third of US adults commerce of their smartphones for an change or improve to decrease the worth of a brand new one. Others use a recycling service or give the previous gadget away. This is a more in-depth look.
Should you plan to commerce an previous gadget, begin together with your telephone service, stated Patrick Holland, CNET’s managing editor for cell. Many producers, like Apple and Samsung, will companion with carriers to supply steep reductions on a brand new mannequin whenever you commerce in an previous one.
“These offers normally occur inside the first month a brand new telephone goes on sale and might typically cowl the whole value — simply is dependent upon how previous and what situation the telephone you are buying and selling in is,” he stated. Some producers might supply steeper reductions throughout the preorder interval earlier than a brand new telephone is launched, Holland added.
The longer you wait to commerce in your gadget, the much less you are prone to get. For instance, for those who’re upgrading to the iPhone 16, you might want an iPhone 12 Professional or newer mannequin to get a full promotional supply. Verify your retailer’s trade-in necessities to ensure your gadget qualifies.
Most significantly, ensure that your gadget works and is in good situation, with minimal scratches or cracks. You may additionally examine trade-in gives by getting estimates from totally different retailers and carriers for the most effective deal.
In case your telephone does not qualify for a trade-in supply, or for those who assume the supply is just too low, take into account promoting your telephone. CNET specialists suggest Swappa, a web-based market to promote and purchase used electronics. Swappa helps you set your value pretty by evaluating related fashions and options to yours. However there are different choices to contemplate, too.
“I’ve had numerous luck on eBay and Gazelle,” Holland stated. “Promoting a telephone on eBay can contain somewhat work and take a while, however you may normally get more cash there.”
Gazelle and related resale websites are normally faster than promoting on eBay or Fb Market. however you might get much less cash on your gadget, Holland stated. You may also commerce in your tech with Finest Purchase’s trade-in program. And in case your gadget’s worth is just too low, you possibly can recycle it proper on the retailer.
Alternatively, for those who’re not trying to get any a refund out of your previous telephone, many retailers and carriers — like Apple, Finest Purchase and AT&T — will recycle it without spending a dime. It is best to name the bodily retailer to ensure upfront. Holland additionally recommends donating your previous telephone to charity, like Cell Telephones For Troopers, if the telephone is in good, working situation.
Learn extra: Apple iPhone 16 Commerce-In Suggestions: Getting Your Subsequent Telephone Utilizing Your Previous One
Watch this: Make Cash for Recycling Previous Tech and Let the Damaged iPhone Go
Many US adults recycle or reward previous laptops and computer systems
By the numbers, almost 1 / 4 of US adults recycle their computer systems and pc equipment, whereas 18% give the previous pc to household or mates. However 21% are uncertain of what to do with the pc.
There are just a few choices, however no matter the way you discard, it is vital to take away your private knowledge first.
Earlier than you recycle your laptop computer or give it away, CNET’s computing and residential leisure managing editor Josh Goldman recommends restoring it to its unique situation to ensure your delicate knowledge is wiped from the machine.
“Take away any software program you are not utilizing, delete any pointless information and replace the working system,” Goldman stated. “Again up all of your vital information, write down all of the software program you want — and discover the license keys for those who paid for it — and do a full system reset to begin recent.”
Producers sometimes supply free-to-download software program for securely deleting knowledge. Home windows units have a safe erase choice constructed into the system. End by blowing out any mud and particles with a can of compressed air and cleansing the surface with a material that is protected for electronics.
For further safety, Goldman suggests eradicating the exhausting drive or solid-state drive out of your pc and destroying it. “It isn’t mandatory, however it’s further peace of thoughts,” Goldman stated. If that is not an choice, he recommends resetting the laptop computer, then utilizing software program to erase the solid-state drive or exhausting disk drive.
You are then free to reward or donate your gadget. Many communities supply free electronics recycling drop-off areas. Goldman recommends beginning your search with the Division of Public Works in your metropolis or county.
“Should you’re unsure the place to begin, use Earth911.com‘s search. Simply pop in your ZIP code and it will provide you with native choices,” he stated.
Many players choose to promote previous consoles
In terms of eliminating unused online game techniques, 17% of players favor to promote their previous consoles, adopted by gifting them to household or mates (16%). Should you not use a online game system, promoting your previous console may earn you some more money. You simply must take just a few precautions.
Scott Stein, CNET’s editor at giant, cautions anybody promoting a gaming console to a retailer to ensure they’re getting a good value. You may also promote on to patrons on eBay and group teams like Fb Market and Provide Up. He additionally recommends group teams as one other solution to promote.
When figuring out the worth, assess the resale worth and the situation of your equipment and console. You may additionally take a look at how different sellers are pricing their consoles to find out a good value. Lastly, take into consideration the worth of your video games and the way uncommon they’re — that would improve your console’s worth.
Earlier than promoting or gifting a online game console, reset all content material and account settings. Most significantly, take away any bank card cost data you might have saved in your account particulars. Most consoles have a straightforward reset-to-factory setting to make erasing your knowledge straightforward.
Different methods to recycle previous tech
Nonetheless scuffling with the place to do away with units you do not need anymore? Main workplace provide shops like Staples and Workplace Depot supply recycling companies, and so does Finest Purchase. Some shops even supply retailer credit in change on your previous tech.
Verify the listing of accepted objects earlier than you go to the shop. For instance, bigger displays might be recycled for $20 at Staples, and whereas most private tech is accepted, medical units and TVs are just a few objects that are not.
Methodology
CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, until in any other case said, are from YouGov Plc. Whole pattern measurement was 2,511 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken from March 26-28, 2025. The survey was carried out on-line. The figures have been weighted and are consultant of all US adults (aged 18 and over).
