Many people hold onto old smartphones, laptops, and tablets, often out of concern for data security or uncertainty about disposal options. A 2023 survey by the Consumer Technology Association found that 67% of consumers keep unused electronics at home, with data privacy being the top reason.
Recycling and reselling options are widely available. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends certified e-waste recyclers, and retailers like Best Buy offer free recycling programs. However, only about 17% of e-waste is properly recycled globally, according to the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor 2024.
To address this, experts suggest wiping devices using factory reset or data-erasure software. Reselling platforms like Gazelle or Swappa can give devices a second life. For irreparable items, local e-waste drop-off events are often listed on municipal websites.
