If the looming impression of tariffs has you contemplating upgrading your smartphone or laptop computer this 12 months, what is going to you do along with your outdated machine?
A current CNET survey reveals that over three in 10 (31%) US adults grasp onto outdated gadgets, as a result of they don’t seem to be certain what to do with smartphones, online game consoles, laptops and different tech equipment they not use. Almost one in 5 (19%) US adults throw away these gadgets. Nonetheless, many desire to commerce of their outdated gadgets for an change or improve (37%), whereas 25% are promoting them.
With tariffs anticipated to drive up electronics costs, there are nonetheless methods to economize on new tech, and promoting your outdated gadgets may help offset the associated fee. In case your machine is damaged or too outdated to promote, specialists advocate utilizing an electronics recycling service to keep away from polluting the setting, and so invaluable supplies like copper and aluminum will be reused.
This is what the newest CNET survey discovered about how US adults are disposing of tech they do not need anymore and ideas for what you are able to do with yours.
Key takeaways:
- 31% of US adults are nonetheless holding on to outdated tech gadgets as a result of they are not certain what to do with them.
- 37% of Individuals commerce in or change their outdated gadgets, whereas 25% promote them.
- 29% use a recycling service to get rid of outdated tech, whereas 19% toss outdated gadgets within the trash.
Over one-third of US adults commerce in or change their outdated tech
Many US adults (37%) commerce in smartphones, gaming gadgets, laptops and equipment for one more machine or an improve. That may turn out to be useful if a retailer presents a reduction on the brand new gadget in change for the commerce.
Different widespread disposal strategies embody giving it to a cherished one or recycling it. Some US adults even strive promoting their gadgets, which may usher in some further money. This is a better have a look at some widespread disposal strategies primarily based on CNET’s survey.
Learn extra: Spring Cleansing? Free Professional Tech Recycling Suggestions for a Greener Residence
Tips on how 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 Others use a recycling service or give the outdated machine away. This is a better look.
In the event you plan to commerce an outdated machine, begin along with your cellphone service, stated 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 if you commerce in an outdated one.
“These offers normally occur throughout the first month a brand new cellphone goes on sale and may typically cowl the complete worth — simply will depend on how outdated and what situation the cellphone you are buying and selling in is,” he stated. Some producers could supply steeper reductions through the preorder interval earlier than a brand new cellphone is launched, Holland added.
The longer you wait to commerce in your machine, the much less you are prone to get. For instance, for those who’re upgrading to the iPhone 16, chances are you’ll want an iPhone 12 Professional or newer mannequin to get a full promotional supply. Verify your retailer’s trade-in necessities to ensure your machine qualifies.
Most significantly, ensure your machine works and is in good situation, with minimal scratches or cracks. You might also evaluate trade-in presents by getting estimates from totally different retailers and carriers for the most effective deal.
In case your cellphone does not qualify for a trade-in supply, or for those who assume the supply is just too low, think about promoting your cellphone. CNET specialists advocate Swappa, a web-based market to promote and purchase used electronics. Swappa helps you set your worth pretty by evaluating comparable fashions and options to yours. However there are different choices to think about, too.
“I’ve had lots of luck on eBay and Gazelle,” Holland stated. “Promoting a cellphone on eBay can contain a bit of work and take a while, however you may normally get more cash there.”
Gazelle and comparable resale websites are normally faster than promoting on eBay or Fb Market. however chances are you’ll get much less cash on your machine, Holland stated. It’s also possible to commerce in your tech with Greatest Purchase’s trade-in program. And in case your machine’s worth is just too low, you possibly can recycle it proper on the retailer.
Alternatively, for those who’re not seeking to get any a reimbursement out of your outdated cellphone, many retailers and carriers — like Apple, Greatest Purchase and AT&T — will recycle it totally free. It is best to name the bodily retailer to ensure upfront. Holland additionally recommends donating your outdated 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 Cellphone Utilizing Your Outdated One
Many US adults recycle or reward outdated laptops and computer systems
By the numbers, almost 1 / 4 of US adults recycle their computer systems and laptop equipment, whereas 18% give the outdated laptop to household or pals. However 21% are not sure of what to do with the pc.
There are just a few choices, however no matter the way you discard, it is essential 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 authentic situation to ensure your delicate information is wiped from the machine.
“Take away any software program you are not utilizing, delete any pointless recordsdata and replace the working system,” Goldman stated. “Again up all of your essential recordsdata, write down all of the software program you want — and discover the license keys for those who paid for it — and do a full system reset to start out recent.”
Producers usually supply free-to-download software program for securely deleting information. Home windows gadgets 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 fabric that is protected for electronics.
For further safety, Goldman suggests eradicating the arduous drive or solid-state drive out of your laptop and destroying it. “It isn’t crucial, nevertheless it’s further peace of thoughts,” Goldman stated. If that is not an choice, he recommends resetting the laptop computer, then utilizing software program to erase the solid-state drive or arduous disk drive.
You are then free to reward or donate your machine. Many communities supply free electronics recycling drop-off places. Goldman recommends beginning your search with the Division of Public Works in your metropolis or county.
“In the event you’re unsure the place to start out, use Earth911.com‘s search. Simply pop in your ZIP code and it will offer you native choices,” he stated.
Many players choose to promote outdated consoles
In relation to eliminating unused online game techniques, 17% of players desire to promote their outdated consoles, adopted by gifting them to household or pals (16%). In the event you not use a online game system, promoting your outdated console might earn you some more money. You simply must take just a few 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. It’s also possible to promote on to patrons on eBay and group teams like Fb Market and Supply Up. He additionally recommends group 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 have 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 might 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 might have saved in your account particulars. Most consoles have a simple reset-to-factory setting to make erasing your information simple.
Different methods to recycle outdated tech
Nonetheless fighting the place to eliminate gadgets you don’t need anymore? Main workplace provide shops like Staples and Workplace Depot supply recycling companies, and so does Greatest Purchase. Some shops even supply retailer credit in change on your outdated tech.
Verify the record 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 gadgets and TVs are just a few 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 dimension 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).