When it comes to the environment, the people of Ireland have great intentions, with 91% saying they prefer to use environmentally friendly products, according to new research by Vodafone Ireland. They also love an incentive, with 80% more likely to make a more sustainable purchase if receiving a discount or cash. Contrary, when it comes to clearing out, 75% admit to holding onto older items because of the attachment or sentimentality they have towards them.
The research was carried out to examine Irish attitudes towards the environment, recycling and to uncover the key barriers to recycling smartphones. Ireland is strong on the recycling front, especially when it comes to easy-to-recycle waste like batteries (91% always, usually, or sometimes recycle), plastic (97%), glass (97%), paper (97%), cardboard (97%). However, 6% of Irish adults admit to never having recycled large electronic goods like kitchen appliances, but almost a fifth (19%) admit to never having recycled a smartphone and 59% have never traded in a smartphone.
What stops us from recycling our smartphones?
The top reason for holding onto a smartphone instead of trading it in was because of photos and memories (30%), followed by wanting to have a spare phone (26%), and the fact it holds personal information (23%).
Of those who have never recycled a smartphone, 31% said it was because it had personal information on it, while 28% said the phone has old photos and memories. A lack of understanding about what to recycle also comes into play, with 31% admitting they simply don’t know how to go about recycling a smartphone.
3.2 years is the average length of time people in Ireland hold onto a smartphone, with 55% keeping one for between two and three years. The top reason for replacing a smartphone is that it becomes slow to use (51%), followed by reduced battery life (42%), not being usable (35%), and cosmetic damage like a cracked screen (22%).
Good intentions
The top reason for those who opt to recycle a smartphone is because it’s better for the environment (55%), followed by knowing it can be repurposed and sold on (28%), and finally for financial reasons, with 26% saying they received money for recycling. When it comes to trading in, 62% did it because they received money, while 25% said it was because the phone can be repurposed and sold, and 23% had the environment top of mind.
Why trading in or recycling smartphones is good for the environment
Vodafone Ireland was the first telco to launch a trade-in proposition online and in-store, and to date has collected over 1419kg of devices. Traded-in devices go to be re-used, refurbished, or re-sold, extending the lifetime of a smartphone and in turn benefitting the circular economy.
Anita Carra, Consumer Business Director, Vodafone Ireland, said “We conducted this study to mark Earth Day and understand the opportunities and barriers for our customers to make greener choices. I am delighted to see that the research clearly shows an appetite among Irish people to recycle, reuse and repurpose smartphone devices. Since launching our online Trade-In tool, last year, we have seen a fantastic response from customers, and we are so proud of the reduction in e waste brought about by this initiative.
At Vodafone, helping our customers switch to green, through services like trade-in and fix and go, is at the forefront of our purpose goals as we strive to reach net zero by 2040.’’
Vodafone’s Trade In gives customers the chance to receive up to €400 for trading in their smartphone either online or in-store. The online tool runs a series of health tests to assess the value of a device, and customers receive a personalised quote in minutes.
To help customers go green, Vodafone offers a range of services including Fix & Go for repairs and upgrades to extend the lifecycle of phones, as well as eSIMs which reduce carbon emissions by removing the need to manufacture and ship plastic, and a variety of eco accessories.
To find out more, visit www.vodafone.ie/tradein.
