Within the last five years 92m electrical devices have been wasted

O2 is a new scheme which has been set up by Virgin Media O2. This scheme’s slogan is ‘cash for trash’ and it is dedicated to encouraging the public to recycle their unused gadgets.

This scheme was created after a study, which was conducted by Virgin Media, displayed that ‘92 million electrical devices were thrown into the bin in the last five years.’

The company has made it clear that anyone is able to send their devices to O2 Recycle, especially as they have made this service postage-free. Once at the site, the devices will be data wiped, repaired, refurbished, and then either recycled or resold. Alongside this method, the scheme also allows consumers to take their small electronics into any in-person O2 stores, where they will be accepted for recycling.

A study on this topic was conducted before Global Recycling Day, which occurred on the 18^th of March 2025. This study revealed that, although 65% of people stated that they are aware of the environmental impact that occurs through throwing electronics into the bin, 79% of people have admitted that they do discard their devices with their general rubbish. Plus, this study also found that 74% of the British public will tend to hold on to unwanted tech for a minimum of five years and often a lot longer.

On the other hand, positive news was revealed in this study, which showed that 81% of people mentioned that they would happily clear out their tech and then go on to recycle their unwanted devices, if doing this would earn them money. Further to this, 72% of people said that they would gladly donate their devices to someone in need.

Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2, commented, “Most homes have a drawer of doom that’s crammed with dozens of unused devices gathering dust, that could otherwise earn Brits cash or be reused by someone else. That’s why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in tackling e-waste and helping people pass on their unwanted tech to help protect the planet. This includes O2 Recycle where Brits can make money for their old electronics, Community Calling where they can donate a smartphone to someone in need, or take a small device to an O2 store where it’ll be sent off for recycling.”