A Staples survey reveals that 54% of Americans hoard old technology while 70% struggle to recycle.
A recent survey by Staples found that over half of Americans possess old technology items that have not been used in over a year, while 70% do not know how to dispose of them sustainably.
The survey also found that laptops (78%), mobile phones/ smartphones (66%), and tablets/iPads (59%) are the technology items that consumers are least likely to recycle. Meanwhile, technology cables (62%), mobile phones/ smartphone chargers (46%), and computer accessories (44%) are the items that consumers are most likely to have not used in a year or more.
These items are easily recycled at Staples, which has recycled over 165 million pounds (7.5 million tonnes) of technology in-store.
To address this problem, Staples has introduced its free technology take-back recycling programme, which provides a free and easy way for customers to recycle unwanted technology while rewarding them for contributing to environmental conservation. The range of technology products that can be recycled includes desktop printers, inkjet, and toner cartridges.
“For many Americans, not knowing where to recycle is the top reason why they tend to hold onto old tech,” said Mike Sauchuk, Senior Director, Recycling and Sustainability at Staples US Retail. “However, more consumers express agreement that they intend to recycle an old technology product within the next six months. That’s why this Earth Day, Staples wants to not only make it easy for Americans to dispose of their old tech but also reward them for doing their part when it comes to recycling.”
In honour of Earth Day, Staples has enhanced its Free Tech Take Back Recycling Programme, doubling its current rewards from $5 (€4.56) to $10 (€9.13) for in-store technology recycling. The offer is valid from April 16 to June 17, and customers can also avail of a 15% discount on their in-store purchases of $30 (€27.38) or more when they recycle in-store during Earth Day weekend (April 22-23).
