Don't hold onto unwanted Christmas gifts

Quick question: how many old gadgets are you holding onto right now? 

Not in your actual hands, but how many unused devices are you storing at home that you aren’t using? We’re talking about anything from a phone you replaced ages ago, or a Fitbit gathering dust somewhere in the back of a drawer. 

It’s probably more than you think if you're like most Brits.

We surveyed over 1,000 people across the UK, and the results are in. Apparently, every single one of us (100%) has at least one unused tech device at home. While that might seem wasteful, there’s an upside here: some of that stuff could still be worth real money.

Following the Christmas period, plenty of people will store unused electronics, never to be seen again. There’s serious value in that unwanted gift, because it might be the very thing that someone else has always dreamed of getting.

At Back Market, we’re here to help you do something about it. We make it easy to trade in your tech while doing something good for the planet.

It might just be time to find out what those forgotten gadgets are worth.

The Tech Hoarding Epidemic

What’s Lurking in Your Drawer of Doom?

Admit it, we’ve all got one. That mysterious drawer, cupboard, or box where old gadgets go to die. The phones you promised you’d “use as a backup,” the laptop that limped through its last Zoom call, the tablet that hasn’t been charged since the first lockdown. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Our survey revealed that 55% of Brits have at least three unused tech devices lying around at home. For nearly 19%, that number jumps to six or more. That’s a whole lot of forgotten screens and chargers piling up in drawers across the country.

And what are we hoarding the most? No surprise here, smartphones are the biggest culprits, with 71.6% of people hanging onto at least one. 

‘Other’ devices included things like printers, cameras, or even CD players…

So why do we hang onto these things that are no longer of use to us? Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s because we think it’ll be a hassle to figure out what they’re worth. Or maybe, like most people, you just haven’t got around to it. 

Whatever the reason, all that unused tech is  untapped potential.

At Back Market, we’re making it easy to let go of those forgotten gadgets. Our free valuation tool gives you an instant answer to the question, “What’s this old thing actually worth?” Once you’ve got the number, it’s simple to trade it in for cash.

There’s no faff, no fuss, and no reason to let your tech waste away any longer. Because while your old smartphone is sitting there doing nothing, it could be doing something great - like paying for your next night out or helping the environment by cutting down on e-waste.

So, what’s really lurking in your “drawer of doom”? Dig it out, check its value, and start turning that clutter into cash.

What Do Brits Do With Old Tech?

Picture this: a drawer stuffed with tangled charging cables, dusty smartphones, and maybe even an ancient MP3 player you haven’t seen since 2012. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Our survey found that 37.9% of Brits stash their old tech in a drawer or box, where it sits forgotten and unused.

What happens to the rest? Some people pass devices on to friends or family (26.7%), while a responsible 37.8% recycle them. But only 17.8% of Brits take the step to sell their old gadgets, missing out on the chance to make some extra cash - or to let someone else enjoy a refurbished device.

Why Are We Holding Onto Old Tech?

Just in Case or Just Forgotten?

You’ve probably got a smartphone tucked away somewhere “just in case.” Maybe there’s an old laptop that you keep meaning to wipe clean but haven’t managed to do it just yet. It turns out most Brits are doing the same thing.

Our survey found some surprising reasons why people hold onto unused gadgets. A whopping 50.6% of respondents said they’re keeping old devices as backups, ready to spring into action in case their current tech suddenly fails. It sounds practical - until you remember that backup devices rarely see the light of day.

For 40.1%, the issue is less about preparation and more about uncertainty. They’re not sure how to dispose of their old gadgets responsibly, so they hang onto them instead. Then there’s the 20.0% who admitted they’ve simply forgotten those devices exist. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

But here’s the thing. While your gadgets are sitting idle, they’re losing value and adding to the clutter in your home. Letting go can be tricky (we get it, it’s hard to say goodbye to something that once powered your entire life), but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Tips for Letting Go of Old Tech

Check Its Value

Before you write off that old phone or old laptop, take a second to find out what it’s worth. You might be sitting on more cash than you think, just waiting to be unlocked. Back Market’s free valuation tool is a quick, no-hassle way to get the answers you need.

Trade It In with Back Market

Back Market makes trading in your old tech a breeze. Whether you’re after cash or credit towards something new (to you), our process is fast, easy, and completely stress-free.

Recycle Responsibly

If your device is truly beyond saving, make sure it’s disposed of properly. Local councils and tech recycling schemes can help, but remember: recycling is the last resort. Refurbishing and trading in are much better ways to maximise your gadget’s potential.

We understand that it’s not easy to part with your gadgets. They’re full of memories, and maybe a little guilt about where they’ll end up. But turning those forgotten devices into cash, or contributing to a greener future, is a win for everyone.

The Hidden Value of Unused Tech

Your Forgotten Gadgets Could Be Worth £100s

Think that old phone you shoved in a drawer years ago is worthless? Think again. Our survey found that over 57% of Brits seriously underestimate the value of their unused tech, believing it’s worth £100 or less. But here’s the good news: many of those ‘forgotten’ gadgets are still worth far more than you might expect.

Take the smartphones for example. Even if it’s a few years old, that trusty device could fetch a decent sum, especially if it’s in good condition. The same goes for laptops, tablets, and other tech staples.

So, What Are They Really Worth?

Here’s where Back Market comes in. With our free valuation tool, finding out the worth of your gadgets is quick and painless. You just punch in a few details, and voila - you’ll get a clear idea of how much cash you could be sitting on.

Your Gadgets Aren’t Getting Any Younger

The thing about old tech is, the longer it sits in that drawer, the more its value slips away. Those extra months of gathering dust could mean the difference between a gadget that’s worth a tidy sum and one that’s better off recycled.

Our survey found that most people hold onto their gadgets for years before deciding what to do with them - 76.9% of people (that’s 3 in every 4) hold onto their old gadgets for a year or longer before disposing of them. 

If you think that’s bad, over a quarter (29.1%) keep their old tech for more than five years. Imagine the cash they could have got if they sold it when it was still valuable. 

Here’s the truth: waiting doesn’t pay. Tech loses value over time, and those once-shiny gadgets aren’t getting any newer. The good news is that there is a way to find out the best time to trade in your gadgets:

📖 When's the best time to trade in your iPhone?

The Environmental Impact of Old Tech

Don’t Let Your Gadgets Go to Waste

Here’s a sobering thought: every time a gadget ends up in the bin, it’s not just a waste of tech - it’s a waste of valuable resources. 

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing environmental problems in the world. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2022 an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced globally, with only 22% being recycled. 

The problem likely stems from many of us being unsure how to deal with it responsibly. 

The good news? Most Brits care. 

Our survey found that 84.6% of respondents believe environmentally responsible disposal is important. That’s promising statistic - but there’s still work to do. Shockingly, 13.1% of people admitted to throwing old tech straight in the bin. That’s a lot of devices heading for landfill instead of getting a second chance.

Refurbished tech is more than just a bargain. It’s a way to fight back against the growing mountain of e-waste. Every device that’s refurbished and reused reduces the need for new gadgets, conserving precious materials like rare metals and cutting down on the environmental impact of manufacturing.

When you trade in your unused gadgets with Back Market, you’re not just reclaiming their value - you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Refurbishing extends the life of devices that would otherwise go to waste, keeping them in circulation and out of the bin.

So, before you toss that old tablet, phone or laptop aside, think about what it could do for someone else - and for the planet.

Why Knowing the Value of Your Tech Matters

Unlock the Potential of Your Old Devices

If you knew your old gadgets could put money in your pocket, would you still let them sit there collecting dust? Probably not. That’s the problem most Brits face: we don’t realise the value hiding in our unused tech. In fact, our survey found that 68.4% of Brits would trade in their devices to be refurbished - if they knew what they were worth.

Here’s the thing: those forgotten gadgets aren’t worthless. Whether it’s a smartphone, a laptop, or even a tablet you haven’t touched in years, there’s a good chance it still holds value. But you won’t know until you check.

From the hidden value of unused gadgets to the environmental impact of e-waste, one thing is clear: your old tech isn’t just clutter… it’s an opportunity. 

So, what are you waiting for? Check the value of your unused tech, and start making a difference. Whether you’re clearing out a “drawer of doom” or looking to make greener choices, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,002 UK participants (in partnership with The Leadership Factor) and asked them ten questions on their tech habits. Full results are available upon request.