There are more than 200 million old and unused devices gathering dust in British households that could be recycled or refurbished and rehomed, according to new research released by Vodafone.
The study, conducted to encourage device donations during Get Online Week (14-20 October), revealed the average Brit has at least two old phones stashed away at home, with more than one in ten (13%) hoarding up to five unused devices, including laptops (52%), tablets (37%) and even TVs (18%).
In fact, roughly a quarter (26%) stated they’ve had devices sitting idle in drawers for up to five years, with baby boomers among those most likely to keep hold of their old tech for longer.3
The reasons for stockpiling old tech were as varied as the apps they once stored. Over a third (36%) of those surveyed admitted they had simply ‘forgotten’ about old devices, while 17% squirrelled away a phone in case their current one was to break. And a fifth (19%) kept their cupboards cluttered with unused tech for sentimental reasons, like accessing old photos and videos.
The data also revealed that people were unsure of what to do with the devices they had stashed. Worries about security (32%) and others accessing their old content (21%) put people off recycling or donating a phone – despite more than seven in 10 (78%) saying they’d like to put their old tech to better use. More than one in 10 (13%) stated they didn’t know how to give their device a second life, with 14% of people thinking it wouldn’t be useful to somebody else.
But recent reports show just how high the need is for second-hand tech donations. Of the 8.5 million people on the wrong side of the digital divide in the UK, 1.5 million are without access to a mobile device such as a phone, laptop or tablet, as well as connection to the internet. That’s enough people to fill the seats of Wembley Stadium 16 times.
Vodafone’s research aims to encourage people to dig out their old devices and donate them to The Great British Tech Appeal, giving them a new lease of life and helping connect someone who doesn’t have access to a device. The Great British Tech Appeal is part of Vodafone’s everyone.connected campaign, which has pledged to help 4 million people and businesses cross the digital divide by the end of 2025, through the donation of connectivity, devices and skills.
Donated devices are wiped, refurbished, reboxed and paired with free data, calls and texts for six months. Vodafone’s charity partners, including Good Things Foundation and Barnardo’s, ensure the devices are then given to those who need them most.
Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO of Good Things Foundation, the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, said:
“Get Online Week is the UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign, focusing on raising awareness of the digital divide and the work needed to fix it. Digital exclusion is still at unacceptable levels across the UK and people are missing out on opportunities and access to vital services as a result. The Great British Tech Appeal supports our National Device Bank – which also accepts device donations from large public and private sector organisations – and is one of the many ways in which Good Things Foundation works with Vodafone to tackle the digital divide. It’s a great way for anyone having a clear out to give their device a second life and potentially change someone else’s life for the better. Even if you think your old devices are too old or too damaged to be given to someone else, please do donate them. If they can’t be refurbished, we can still recycle them to support further UK wide digital inclusion investment.”
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Vodafone UK, said: “The wonderful thing about the Great British Tech Appeal is that, as well as helping to tackle digital exclusion by providing devices to those who need them most, it also gives people a sustainable way to clear out their old tech. That’s because every donated device gets a second life or is responsibly recycled, thanks to our amazing partners like Good Things Foundation. While our data suggests that many would love to donate their devices, but either don’t know how or are worried about the security implications, it really couldn’t be simpler or safer. Either drop off your device at a local Vodafone store or visit our Great British Tech Appeal website to find how else you can get involved this Get Online Week and beyond.”
Whilst the digital divide exists across the nation, areas with large populations and high deprivation have the highest need for support. Data from Good Things Foundation shows cities including Wakefield, Brent and Nottingham are most impacted, with over 15,000 people currently thought to be offline in each area.
Lewisham, Walsall and Southampton follow closely behind. To show the scale of the issue and to mark Get Online Week, Vodafone has released a map of the UK identifying the country’s most affected areas – so that people with spare devices in these areas can help get tech to those who need it most.
The top 15 places estimated to have the most people digitally excluded:
- Wakefield – 17,690
- Brent – 16,946
- Nottingham – 15,978
- Lewisham – 14,991
- Walsall – 14,215
- Southampton – 12,363
- Rhondda Cynon Taf – 11,875
- Barking and Dagenham – 10,927
- Portsmouth – 10,341
- Basildon – 9,383
- St. Helens – 9,170
- Derry City and Strabane – 7,542
- Dundee City – 7,386
- Blackpool – 7,048
- Torbay – 6,972
Read more about The Great British Tech Appeal and find out how you can donate your device today.
This Get Online Week, in partnership with Good Things Foundation, Vodafone is also aiming to help tens of thousands of people get online by supporting hundreds of free digital skills events in local communities across the UK. View our map to find your nearest event.
