The O2 Recycle scheme encourages customers – regardless of their network – to trade in unwanted smartphones, tablets, and accessories. O2 Recycle also supports businesses to recycle their e-waste.
In 2022, O2 Recycle paid out more than £36 million to consumers for their devices, processing on average more than 950 handsets per working day.
Of these devices, 92 per cent were data wiped, refurbished, and resold as ‘like new’ products to customers – supporting the circular economy. The remainder were broken down for raw materials, and none of the tech which goes through O2 Recycle ends up in landfill.
Dana Haidan, chief sustainability officer, Virgin Media O2, said, “With more than 3.8 million devices sustainably recycled since 2009, O2 Recycle is playing a leading role in tackling e-waste across the UK.
“O2 Recycle is a win-win for people and the planet. It’s preventing devices from ending up in landfill, and it’s a simple and easy way for consumers to dispose of their unwanted tech and get rewarded for doing so – with £320 million paid out to date.
“It’s a key part of our sustainability strategy, where we’re helping people to live greener lives, and supporting the circular economy so devices can be used again and again.”