MILLIONS of UK homes are full of unwanted tech that could be turned into much-needed cash for the festive season
With Christmas fast approaching and many Brits feeling the pressure to keep their festive spending in check, an easy way to make some extra cash could be sitting right under your nose.
According to new research, you could make up to £450 by recycling unwanted devices like phones, laptops and tablets, all just in time to help cover the cost of gifts, decorations, and festive days out.
Virgin Media O2’s recent study reveals that 68% of Brits are keen to recycle their old tech for cash, with a large number ready to sell unused consoles or smartphones.
With nearly half of the population expecting their Christmas spending to exceed last year’s, this presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to boost their holiday budget.
On average, households in the UK have four unused devices lying around, according to Virgin Media O2.
The mobile provider has shared which gadgets can get you the most money through its recycling pay-out scheme, adding up to a tidy £446 if you have them all.
Here’s a breakdown of what you could make for popular tech items through O2 Recycle:
This means that a couple of devices could see you pocketing a decent sum to spend on your festive celebrations.
If you have a few devices lying around that you no longer use, it’s worth getting them appraised and exchanging them for some much-needed cash.
With 02’s recycling scheme you will receive cash to recycle your old devices but you can also opt for credit to put towards a new device.
To do it you just have to register by searching for your device on the O2 Recycle website and adding it to your basket.
Make sure you prepare your device by deleting any personal data, removing the SIM or memory card.
You can then send off your device by booking a courier for pickup or taking it to the Post Office.
Once O2 receives and assesses your device, you’ll receive payment—either credited to your O2 account or paid via BACS or cheque.
Whilst this scheme is great to get some cash out of your old tech junk, it’s not the only way to get paid for recycling your old tech.
You could also consider selling old tech to websites such as Decluttr, musicMagpie or Tech2Cash.
These websites allow you to trade in old-gadgets in exchange for cash, you can also rank your quotes by how much the recycler will pay.
For those who prefer to go in store, stores such as CEX or Game allow you trade in devices in store in exchange for cash or even store vouchers which can be handy when buying new gadgets.
If you’re wondering how to get the best price for your unwanted tech, here are some top tips:
Don’t settle for the first offer you get.
Use websites like Compare and Recycle to check what different companies are offering for your devices.
The difference in price can be as much as £87, so it pays to shop around.
The better condition your gadgets are in, the higher the payout.
Take good care of your items before selling them, and be honest about their condition to avoid a lower pay-out when the company inspects them.
Whether you opt to use online platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, or kiosks like ecoATM, you can often get a better deal if you’re willing to put in a little more effort.
Just make sure you compare quotes first.
Some platforms, like TopCashback and Quidco, offer bonus cashback when you sell your tech through specific services.
This is a great way to get a little extra money for your gadgets.
Tech depreciates quickly, so it’s best to sell your old devices sooner rather than later.
According to experts at Compare and Recycle, devices like iPhones can lose up to 20 per cent of their value within just three months of a new model’s release.
The sooner you sell, the better your pay-out.
From old smartphones and laptops to game consoles and wearables, there’s no shortage of gadgets just waiting to be turned into cash.
So, why not dig through those drawers, collect your unwanted devices, and sell them for extra cash this Christmas?
With up to £450 potentially waiting for you, this could be the easiest money you make in time for the festive season.
Meanwhile, if you’re considering other ways to make money, you might want to start a side hustle.
This supersaver managed to put £20,000 away thanks to shopping smart and side hustles.
Elsewhere, an expert reveals three easy ideas that can earn you £5000 before Christmas – including a side hustle that requires no effort.
