If the looming impression of tariffs has you contemplating upgrading your smartphone or laptop computer this 12 months, what’s going to you do along with your previous gadget?
A current CNET survey reveals that over three in 10 (31%) US adults dangle onto previous units, as a result of they are not positive what to do with smartphones, online game consoles, laptops and different tech equipment they not use. Practically one in 5 (19%) US adults throw away these units. Nevertheless, many favor to commerce of their previous units for an change or improve (37%), whereas 25% are promoting them.
With tariffs anticipated to drive up electronics costs, there are nonetheless methods to save cash on new tech, and promoting your previous units might help offset the associated fee. In case your gadget is damaged or too outdated to promote, specialists advocate utilizing an electronics recycling service to keep away from polluting the setting, and so beneficial supplies like copper and aluminum will be reused.
Here is what the newest CNET survey discovered about how US adults are disposing of tech they do not need anymore and suggestions 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 don’t seem to be positive what to do with them.
- 37% of Individuals commerce in or change 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 change their previous tech
Many US adults (37%) commerce in smartphones, gaming units, laptops and equipment for an additional gadget or an improve. That may turn out to be useful if a retailer provides a reduction on the brand new gadget in change for the commerce.
Different in style disposal strategies embody giving it to a beloved one or recycling it. Some US adults even attempt promoting their units, which might usher in some further money. Here is a more in-depth take a look at some frequent disposal strategies primarily based on CNET’s survey.
Learn extra: Spring Cleansing? Free Knowledgeable Tech Recycling Suggestions for a Greener House
Methods to maximize the worth of your smartphone trade-in
One-third of US adults commerce of their smartphones for an change or improve to decrease the worth of a brand new one. Others use a recycling service or give the previous gadget away. Here is a more in-depth look.
When you plan to commerce an previous gadget, begin along with your cellphone provider, 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 whenever you commerce in an previous one.
“These offers normally occur inside the first month a brand new cellphone goes on sale and may generally cowl all the worth — simply will depend on how previous and what situation the cellphone you are buying and selling in is,” he mentioned. Some producers might provide steeper reductions throughout the preorder interval earlier than a brand new cellphone is launched, Holland added.
The longer you wait to commerce in your gadget, the much less you are more likely to get. For instance, in case you’re upgrading to the iPhone 16, it’s possible you’ll want an iPhone 12 Professional or newer mannequin to get a full promotional provide. Verify your retailer’s trade-in necessities to ensure your gadget qualifies.
Most significantly, be sure your gadget works and is in good situation, with minimal scratches or cracks. You might also evaluate trade-in provides by getting estimates from totally different retailers and carriers for the perfect deal.
In case your cellphone would not qualify for a trade-in provide, or in case you assume the provide is simply too low, think about promoting your cellphone. CNET specialists advocate Swappa, an internet market to promote and purchase used electronics. Swappa helps you set your worth pretty by evaluating related fashions and options to yours. However there are different choices to think about, too.
“I’ve had a variety of luck on eBay and Gazelle,” Holland mentioned. “Promoting a cellphone on eBay can contain just a little work and take a while, however you may normally get extra money there.”
Gazelle and related resale websites are normally faster than promoting on eBay or Fb Market. however it’s possible you’ll get much less cash to your gadget, Holland mentioned. You may also commerce in your tech with Greatest Purchase’s trade-in program. And in case your gadget’s worth is simply too low, you possibly can recycle it proper on the retailer.
Then again, in case you’re not trying to get any a reimbursement out of your previous cellphone, many retailers and carriers — like Apple, Greatest Purchase and AT&T — will recycle it without cost. It is best to name the bodily retailer to ensure upfront. Holland additionally recommends donating your previous cellphone to charity, like Cell Telephones For Troopers, if the cellphone is in good, working situation.
Learn extra: Apple iPhone 16 Commerce-In Suggestions: Getting Your Subsequent Telephone Utilizing Your Outdated One
Many US adults recycle or reward 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. However 21% are uncertain of what to do with the pc.
There are a couple of choices, however no matter the way you discard, it is necessary to take away your private information first.
Earlier than 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.
“Take away any software program you are not utilizing, delete any pointless information and replace the working system,” Goldman mentioned. “Again up all of your necessary information, write down all of the software program you want — and discover the license keys in case you paid for it — and do a full system reset to begin contemporary.”
Producers sometimes provide free-to-download software program for securely deleting information. Home windows units have a safe erase choice constructed into the system. End by blowing out any mud and particles with a can of compressed air and cleansing the skin with a material that is secure for electronics.
For further safety, Goldman suggests eradicating the exhausting drive or solid-state drive out of your pc and destroying it. “It is not needed, however it’s further peace of thoughts,” Goldman mentioned. If that is not an choice, he recommends resetting the laptop computer, then utilizing software program to erase the solid-state drive or exhausting disk drive.
You are then free to reward or donate your gadget. Many communities provide free electronics recycling drop-off areas. Goldman recommends beginning your search with the Division of Public Works in your metropolis or county.
“When you’re unsure the place to begin, use Earth911.com‘s search. Simply pop in your ZIP code and it will offer you native choices,” he mentioned.
Many players decide to promote previous consoles
In terms of eliminating unused online game techniques, 17% of players favor to promote their previous consoles, adopted by gifting them to household or mates (16%). When you not use a online game system, promoting your previous console may earn you some extra cash. You simply have to take a couple of precautions.
Scott Stein, CNET’s editor at massive, cautions anybody promoting a gaming console to a retailer to ensure they’re getting a good worth. You may also promote on to patrons on eBay and neighborhood teams like Fb Market and Provide Up. He additionally recommends neighborhood teams as one other approach to promote.
When figuring out the worth, assess the resale worth and the situation of your equipment and console. You might also take a look at what different sellers are pricing their consoles at to find out a good worth. Lastly, take into consideration the worth of your video games and the way uncommon they’re — that would improve your console’s worth.
Earlier than promoting or gifting a online game console, reset all content material and account settings. Most significantly, take away any bank card fee data you could have saved in your account particulars. Most consoles have a straightforward reset-to-factory setting to make erasing your information straightforward.
Different methods to recycle previous tech
Nonetheless scuffling with the place to do away with units you don’t need anymore? Main workplace provide shops like Staples and Workplace Depot provide recycling companies, and so does Greatest Purchase. Some shops even provide retailer credit in change to your previous tech.
Verify the listing of accepted objects earlier than you go to the shop. For instance, bigger displays will be recycled for $20 at Staples, and whereas most private tech is accepted, medical units and TVs are a couple of objects that are not.
Methodology
CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, until in any other case acknowledged, are from YouGov Plc. Whole pattern measurement was 2511 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).
