Recycle Your Old Tech Before Buying New This Christmas

The Christmas season is a time of giving, and for many of us, that means unwrapping shiny new gadgets and tech gifts. 

From tablets and smartwatches to gaming consoles and wireless earbuds, technology is often at the top of festive wish lists. 

But before you splash out on the latest devices, there’s something important to consider: what will you do with the old tech it replaces?

The Hidden Cost of Tech Waste

In the UK alone, we generate over 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste each year—making us one of the top offenders in Europe. Much of this comes from discarded electronics that still work or could easily be repaired, reused or recycled. With the surge in tech gifting at Christmas, the problem only worsens.

Unwanted devices often end up gathering dust in drawers or worse, being thrown in the bin, where they can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. These electronics also contain valuable materials like gold, copper and rare earth metals, which could be recovered through proper recycling.

Make Room Before You Upgrade

Before heading out to buy the newest smartwatch or upgrading someone’s smartphone, take a moment to look around your home:

Old mobile phones sitting in drawers?

Obsolete headphones, tablets or chargers taking up space?

Broken electronics that could be repaired or stripped for parts?

Clearing out your old tech isn’t just good for the environment—it also helps reduce clutter and ensures your new gifts actually get used.

How to Recycle Tech Responsibly

Recycling old tech is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can do it:

Retailer take-back schemes: Many UK retailers (like Currys, John Lewis, and Argos) offer free recycling when you buy new tech—even if you didn’t buy the original item from them.

Council recycling centres: Most local authorities accept small and large electronics at designated drop-off points.

Donate or sell: If the item still works, consider donating it to a local charity, school, or community group. You can also sell it on platforms like MusicMagpie, eBay, or CEX.

Manufacturer recycling programmes: Brands like Apple, Samsung, and HP offer trade-in schemes or recycling options for old products.

Teach Sustainable Gifting Habits

Christmas is the perfect time to talk about sustainability with family and friends. Encourage loved ones to:

Recycle old tech before opening new gifts

Opt for refurbished gadgets instead of brand new ones

Choose energy-efficient or modular devices that can be repaired or upgraded in future

Including a little note with your gift about how to responsibly dispose of older devices could go a long way, especially for kids and teens who are growing up in an increasingly digital world.

Final Thoughts

Giving tech gifts doesn’t have to mean giving the planet a problem. By recycling our old gadgets before embracing the new, we can make this Christmas not just magical—but mindful.