The looming affect of tariffs may need you pondering of upgrading your smartphone or laptop computer this 12 months, however have you ever thought-about what you are going to do together with your previous gadget?
A latest CNET survey reveals that over three in 10 (31%) US adults cling 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. Nearly one in 5 (19%) US adults throw away these units. However, many choose to commerce of their previous units for an alternate or improve (37%), whereas 25% are promoting them.
With tariffs anticipated to drive up electronics costs, there are nonetheless methods to economize on new tech, and promoting your previous units will help offset the price. If your gadget is damaged or too outdated to promote, consultants suggest utilizing an electronics recycling service to keep away from polluting the setting and so beneficial supplies like copper and aluminum may be reused.
Here’s what the most recent 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 are not certain what to do with them.
- 37% of Americans commerce in or alternate their previous units, whereas 25% promote them.
- 29% use a recycling service to eliminate previous tech, whereas 19% toss previous units within the trash.
Over one-third of US adults commerce in or alternate their previous tech
Many US adults (37%) commerce in smartphones, gaming units, laptops and equipment for an additional gadget or an improve. That can turn out to be useful if a retailer provides a reduction on the brand new gadget in alternate for the commerce.
Other in style disposal strategies embody giving it to a liked one or recycling it. Some US adults even strive promoting their units, which may usher in some additional money. Here’s a better have a look at some widespread disposal strategies primarily based on CNET’s survey.
Read extra: Spring Cleaning? Free Expert Tech Recycling Tips for a Greener Home
How to maximise the worth of your smartphone trade-in
One-third of US adults commerce of their smartphones for an alternate or improve to decrease the value of a brand new one. Others use a recycling service or give the previous gadget away. Here’s a better look.
If you propose to commerce an previous gadget, begin together with your telephone service, mentioned Patrick Holland, CNET’s managing editor for cell. Many producers, like Apple and Samsung, will accomplice with carriers to supply steep reductions on a brand new mannequin while 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 your entire value — simply is dependent upon how previous and what situation the telephone you are buying and selling in is,” he mentioned. Some producers could provide 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, should you’re upgrading to the iPhone 16, chances are you’ll want an iPhone 12 Pro or newer mannequin to get a full promotional provide. Check your retailer’s trade-in necessities to ensure your gadget qualifies.
Most importantly, be certain that your gadget works and is in good situation, with minimal scratches or cracks. You may examine trade-in provides by getting estimates from completely different retailers and carriers for the most effective deal.
If your telephone would not qualify for a trade-in provide, or should you suppose the provide is simply too low, think about promoting your telephone. CNET consultants 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. But there are different choices to contemplate, too.
“I’ve had a variety of luck on eBay and Gazelle,” Holland mentioned. “Selling a telephone on eBay can contain a bit of work and take a while, however you will normally get more cash there.”
Gazelle and related resale websites are normally faster than promoting on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. however chances are you’ll get much less cash on your gadget, Holland mentioned. You may commerce in your tech with Best Buy’s trade-in program. And in case your gadget’s worth is simply too low, you possibly can recycle it proper on the retailer.
On the opposite hand, should you’re not seeking to get any a reimbursement out of your previous telephone, many retailers and carriers — like Apple, Best Buy and AT&T — will recycle it without cost. It’s greatest to name the bodily retailer to ensure upfront. Holland additionally recommends donating your previous telephone to charity, like Cell Phones For Soldiers, if the telephone is in good, working situation.
Read extra: Apple iPhone 16 Trade-In Tips: Getting Your Next Phone Using Your Old One
Watch this: Make Money for Recycling Old Tech and Let the Broken iPhone Go
Many US adults recycle or present 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. But 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 information first.
Before 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 information is wiped from the machine.
“Remove any software program you are not utilizing, delete any pointless recordsdata and replace the working system,” Goldman mentioned. “Back up all of your vital recordsdata, write down all of the software program you want — and discover the license keys should you paid for it — and do a full system reset to begin recent.”
Manufacturers usually provide free-to-download software program for securely deleting information. Windows units have a safe erase possibility constructed into the system. Finish by blowing out any mud and particles with a can of compressed air and cleansing the surface with a fabric that is secure for electronics.
For additional safety, Goldman suggests eradicating the exhausting drive or solid-state drive out of your pc and destroying it. “It’s not needed, but it surely’s additional peace of thoughts,” Goldman mentioned. If that is not an possibility, he recommends resetting the laptop computer, then utilizing software program to erase the solid-state drive or exhausting disk drive.
You’re then free to present or donate your gadget. Many communities provide free electronics recycling drop-off places. Goldman recommends beginning your search with the Department of Public Works in your metropolis or county.
“If you are undecided the place to begin, use Earth911.com‘s search. Just pop in your ZIP code and it will offer you native choices,” he mentioned.
Many players choose to promote previous consoles
When it involves eliminating unused online game techniques, 17% of players choose to promote their previous consoles, adopted by gifting them to household or mates (16%). If you not use a online game system, promoting your previous console may earn you some extra cash. You simply must take just a few precautions.
Scott Stein, CNET’s editor at massive, cautions anybody promoting a gaming console to a retailer to ensure they’re getting a good value. You may promote on to consumers on eBay and group teams like Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up. He additionally recommends group teams as one other technique to promote.
When figuring out the value, assess the resale worth and the situation of your equipment and console. You may have 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 might improve your console’s worth.
Before promoting or gifting a online game console, reset all content material and account settings. Most importantly, take away any bank card cost data you will have saved in your account particulars. Most consoles have a simple reset-to-factory setting to make erasing your information simple.
Other methods to recycle previous tech
Still combating the place to do away with units you don’t need anymore? Major workplace provide shops like Staples and Office Depot provide recycling providers, and so does Best Buy. Some shops even provide retailer credit in alternate on your previous tech.
Check the checklist of accepted gadgets earlier than you go to the shop. For instance, bigger displays may be recycled for $20 at Staples, and whereas most private tech is accepted, medical units and TVs are just a few gadgets that are not.
Methodology
CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, until in any other case said, are from YouGov Plc. Total pattern dimension 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).