O2 UK’s Recycle Service Saved 85,500 Devices from Landfill in 2025

Mobile network operator O2 (VMO2) has today revealed that their O2 Recycle service, which helps people to trade in their old technology (usually in return for cash, credits or a charitable donation), has helped to save 85,500 devices from waste in 2025 – paying out nearly £6.6 million to customers trading in their unwanted tech.

The traded tech (e.g. Smartphones, routers etc.) is typically data wiped, and then repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled – with zero parts going to landfill, helping prevent electronic waste (e-waste). Since launching in 2009, O2 Recycle has processed more than 4 million such devices and paid out a total of over £356 million to customers.

In addition, VMO2’s research (a Strand Partners’ survey of 1,007 people conducted during January 2026) reveals that 77% of respondents believe smartphones should stay in use for as long as possible, yet everyday behaviour often tells a different story. More than four in ten (43%) admit they have replaced a smartphone that could have been repaired.

Several barriers are said to be preventing people from repairing or recycling their devices, with 70% worrying their personal data could be accessed if they pass on or recycle their old smartphone, while 30% say they don’t know where to get their device reliably repaired. Finally, 79% say they have an old smartphone sitting in a drawer, with 40% holding onto more than one device.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“Around 80% of a device’s carbon footprint happens before the box is even opened, so keeping devices for longer is a massive win for the planet.

Every device that’s repaired, reused or recycled is one less piece of technology that could become electronic waste. Yet millions of smartphones with years of life left in them are still sitting unused in drawers or being thrown away.

We’re making it easier than ever to keep devices in circulation, whether that’s through repairing a phone through O2 Insure, recycling unwanted tech through O2 Recycle, or choosing a refurbished device from our Like New range.

Small choices like these can make a big difference in reducing e-waste and getting more value from the technology we already own.”