Survey: 39% of Americans store old electronics due to data security fears and lack of recycling knowledge
Summary
A survey of 4,000 American consumers reveals that 39% of old electronics are simply stored in "junk drawers" rather than recycled, resold, or disposed of. Data security concerns are a major driver, increasing storage likelihood by 14% for recycling-related worries and 9% for reselling-related worries. Lack of knowledge about recycling options also contributes (10% increase). The article highlights that proper data wiping and device deactivation from Apple/Android accounts are necessary steps before recycling or reselling, and points to services like Best Buy, Back Market, and Gazelle as disposal options.
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Key quotes
· 3 pulledAlmost 4 in 10 Americans have a 'junk drawer' full of their old electronics.
Data security concerns increased storage likelihood by 14% for recycling-related worries and 9% for reselling-related worries.
Lack of knowledge about where to recycle increased storage by 10%, and some kept old gadgets as perceived data backups.
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