Stop hoarding old technology. CNET survey found that 31% of U.S. adults insist on using unused devices
The imminent impact of tariffs may make you consider upgrading your smartphone or laptop this year, but have you considered what to do with an older device?
A recent CNET survey showed that one in 10 (31%) of American adults hung on old devices because they weren’t sure what to do with smartphones, video game consoles, Laptop computer There are others Technical accessories They are no longer used. One in five American adults (19%) throw away the devices. However, many prefer to trade or upgrade on old devices (37%), while 25% sell them.
and tariff It is expected to drive electronic prices up, and there are still ways to save money on new technologies, and Sell your old equipment Can help offset costs. If your equipment is broken or overly sold, experts recommend using electronic recycling services to avoid pollution and can reuse valuable materials such as copper and aluminum.
Here is the latest CNET survey to find the status of American adults Handle technology they no longer want And tips on what you can use for your own things.
Key points:
- 31% of our adults are still sticking with old technology equipment because they are not sure what to do.
- 37% of Americans trade or exchange old equipment, while 25% sell it.
- 29% use recycling services to deal with old technology, while 19% of garbage equipment throws old equipment in.
One in three adults trade or exchange their old technology for old technology
Many American adults (37%) trade on smartphones, gaming devices, laptops and accessories for other devices or upgrades. If retailers offer discounts for new gadgets in exchange for deals, that might come in handy.
Other popular methods of disposing include providing it to loved ones or recycling it. Some American adults even try to sell their own equipment, which can bring some extra cash. This is a careful study of some common disposal methods based on CNET-based investigations.
Read more: Spring cleaning? Free expert technical recycling tips
How to maximize the value of smartphones
One-third of American adults trade or upgrade on smartphones to lower new prices. Others use it Recycling services Or give up old equipment. This is a closer look.
If you plan to trade old devices, start with your phone carrier, say Patrick Holland, Mobile editor at CNET. Many manufacturers like apple and Samsungwill work with the operator to provide huge discounts for new models when you trade the old models.
“These transactions usually occur within the first month of the new phone’s sale and sometimes cover the entire price – depending only on the age and status of the phone you’re trading in,” he said. The Netherlands added that some manufacturers may offer steeper discounts during bookings before releasing their new phone.
The longer you wait for transactions on your device, the less likely you are. For example, if you are upgrading to iPhone 16, you may need the iPhone 12 Pro or newer model to get the full promotional offer. Check your retailer’s trade-off requirements to make sure your equipment meets the criteria.
Most importantly, make sure your equipment is available and in good condition with few scratches or cracks. You can also compare transactions by getting the best deals from different retailers and carriers to compare the quotes of the deal.
If your phone is not eligible for a quote for a transaction, or if you think the offer is too low, consider selling the phone. CNET experts recommend Swappa, an online marketplace that sells and buys used electronic products. Swappa can help you set the price fairly by comparing similar models and features to yours. But there are other options to consider.
“I have a lot of luck on eBay and Gazelle,” the Netherlands said. “Selling a phone on eBay may involve some work and spending some time, but usually you get more money there.”
Gazelle and similar resale sites are often sold faster than they are on the eBay or Facebook market. However, the Netherlands says your equipment may be much less. You can also trade technology through Best Buy’s trade plan. And, if your device is too low in value, you can recycle it in the store.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to get any money back from your old phone, many retailers and carriers like Apple, Best Buy, and AT&T will recycle for free. It is best to call the physical store to make sure it is in advance. The Netherlands also recommends donating your old phone to charities such as Soldiers phones, and if the phone is in good condition, you can donate your old phone to charity.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 transaction tips: Use old phone to get the next phone
Watch the following: Make money to recycle old technology and get a broken iPhone to start
Many American adults recycle or gift old laptops and computers
By the number, nearly a quarter of adults recycle their computers and computer accessories, while 18% give their old computers to family or friends. But 21% are unsure how to handle the computer.
There are some options, but no matter how you discard it, it is important to delete your personal data first.
Before recycling your laptop or giving away, CNET’s executive editor of Computing and Home Entertainment, Josh Goldman, recommends returning it to its original state to ensure your sensitive data is erased from the machine.
“Delete any software you don’t use, delete any unnecessary files and update the operating system,” Goldman Sachs said. “Back up all important files, write down all the software you need – if you pay, find the license key – and do a full system reset to start fresh.”
Manufacturers usually provide free download software for displaceable data. Windows devices have built-in secure erase options for the system. End, blow out any dust and debris with a can of compressed air and clean the exterior with safe electronics.
For additional protection, Goldman Sachs recommends removing a hard drive or solid state drive from the computer and destroying it. “It’s not necessary, but it’s extra peace of mind,” Goldman said. If it’s not an option, he recommends resetting the laptop and then using the software to remove the solid-state drive or hard drive.
You can then freely give away or donate equipment. Many communities offer free electronic recycling locations. Goldman Sachs recommends that you start a search at the Public Works Department of your city or county.
“If you’re not sure where to start, use Earth911.com’s search. Just pop up the zip code and it will give you a local choice,” he said.
Many gamers choose to sell old game consoles
When it comes to getting rid of unused video game systems, 17% of gamers prefer to sell their old consoles and then give them to family or friends (16%). If you no longer use a video game system, selling old game consoles may bring you some extra money. You just need to take some precautions.
Scott Stein, the entire editor of CNET, warned that there were people selling game consoles to retailers to ensure they got a fair price. You can also sell and offer it directly to buyers on community groups such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. He also recommends community groups as another way of selling.
When determining the price, evaluate the resale value and the status of the accessories and console. You can also see how other sellers price their consoles to determine fair prices. Finally, consider the value of games and how rarity they are – this may increase the value of the console.
Please reset all content and account settings before selling or giving away video game consoles. Most importantly, delete all credit card payment information that you may have stored on your account details. Most consoles have easy reset to material settings to make your data easy.
Other ways to recycle old technology
Still struggling to get rid of the equipment you no longer want? Major office supplier stores such as Staples and Office Depot offer recycling services, and so does Best Buy. Some stores even offer store points in exchange for your old technology.
Please check the list of accepted items before heading to the store. For example, larger monitors can be recycled on Staples for $20, and while most personal technology is accepted, medical devices and TVs are some items that don’t have.
Methodology
CNET commissioned YouGov PLC to conduct the investigation. Unless otherwise stated, all numbers are from YouGov PLC. The total sample size was 2,511 adults. Field investigations were conducted from March 26 to 28, 2025. The survey was conducted online. These numbers have been weighted and represent all American adults (18 years and older).
