If penetrating the impact of tariffs Do you think about upgrading your Smartphone or Laptop This year, what will you do with your old device?
Recent CNET research reveals that over three to 10 (31%) Adult American adults hang on old devices because they are not sure what to do with smartphones, Video game consoles, laptops and others Technical accessories They no longer use. Almost one in five (19%) American adults throw these devices. However, many prefer to trade with their old exchange or upgrade devices (37%), while 25% sell them.
With tariffs It is expected to raise electronics prices, there are still ways to save money on new technology and Selling your old devices can help neutralize costs. If your device is broken or too outdated for sale, experts recommend using electronics recycling service to avoid environmental pollution and so valuable materials such as copper and aluminum can be used.
Here's what CNET's latest poll revealed about how adults in the United States are the disposal of technology that you no longer love And tips on what you can do with yours.
Key Downloads:
- 31% of adults in the United States still stick to old technology devices because they are not sure what to do with them.
- 37% of Americans trade or exchange their old devices, while 25% sell them.
- 29% use recycling service to dispose of old technology, while 19% throw old devices in the trash.
Over one third of adults in the United States trading or exchanging their old technology
Many American adults (37%) trade with smartphones, gaming devices, laptops and accessories for another device or upgrade. It can help if the retailer offers a new gadget discount in exchange for trade.
Other popular methods of removal include giving a loved one or recycling it. Some adults we even try to sell their devices, which can bring extra money. Here's a closer look at some common methods of removing CNET research.
Read more: Spring cleaning? Free Tips for Recycling Professional Technologies for Green Home
How to increase the value of your smartphone trade
One -third of adults in the US Trade with their smartphones to exchange or upgrade to reduce the price of the new one. Others use a Recycling service Or give the old device. Here's closer.
If you are planning to trade with an old device, start your phone carrier, said Patrick Holland, a CNET editor for a mobile phone. Many manufacturers, how Apple And SamsungYou will partner with carriers to offer great discounts on a new model when trading old.
“These deals usually take place during the first month, the new phone is sold for sale and can sometimes cover the whole price – it just depends on how old and what the phone is trading,” he said. Some manufacturers may offer stricter discounts during the pre -order period before a new phone is released, the Netherlands added.
The longer you wait to trade with your device, the less you get. For example, if you upgrade to the iPhone 16, you may need the iPhone 12 Pro or a newer model to get a full promotional offer. Check out your retail claims to make sure your device qualifies.
Most importantly, make sure your device works and is in good condition, with minimal scratches or cracks. You can also compare the offers for trading with estimates from different retailers and carriers for the best deal.
If your phone does not qualify for a trade offer, or if you think the offer is too low, consider selling your phone. CNET experts recommend Swappa, online market for sale and purchase used electronics. Swappa helps you set your price fairly by comparing similar models and features with yours. But there are other options that need to be considered.
“I was very lucky on eBay and Gazel,” Holland said. “Selling on eBay may include a little bit of work and take some time, but you will usually get more money there.”
Gazel and similar resale pages are usually faster than selling eBay or Facebook market. But you can get less money for your device, the Netherlands said. You can also trade with your technology with Trade Program in Best Buy. And if the value of your device is too low, you can recycle it right in the store.
On the other hand, if you don't ask for money from your old phone, many retailers and carriers – like Apple, Best Buy and AT&T – will recycle them for free. It is best to call the physical store to be sure in advance. Holland also recommends donating your old phone to charity Mobile phones for soldiersIf the phone is in good, working condition.
Read more: Apple Trade Tips iPhone 16: Getting your next phone using your old
Many adults recycle or hand out old laptops and computers
According to the figures, nearly a quarter of adults in the United States recycle their computers and computer accessories, while 18% give the old computer to family or friends. But 21% are not sure what to do with the computer.
There are several options, but no matter how you reject, it is important to first remove your personal information.
Before recycling your laptop or giving it, recommends CNET's computer and domestic parties, Jos Goldman, recommends Returning it to its original state To make sure your sensitive data is deleted from the machine.
“Remove any software you don't use, delete unnecessary files and update the operating system,” Goldman said. “Back up all the important files, write down the whole software you need – and find the license buttons if you paid for it – and make a complete reset of the system to start fresh.”
Manufacturers usually offer free load software for safe deletion of data. Windows devices have a safe operation to be built into the system. Finish by blowing dust and debris with cans of compressed air and cleaning the outside with a cloth that is safe for electronics.
For additional protection, Goldman suggests Removing a hard drive or a solid condition From your computer and destroying it. “It is not necessary, but it is an additional peace of mind,” Goldman said. If this is not an option, it recommends resetting the laptop, then using software to delete a solid state or hard drive.
Then you are free to give away or donate your device. Many communities offer free dripping locations for electronics recycling. Goldman recommends starting a search with the public affairs department in your city or county.
“If you're not sure where to get started, use Earth911.comsearch. Only a pop in your zip code will give you local options, “he said.
Many gamers decide to sell old consoles
When it comes to exemption from unused Video game systems17% of gamers prefer to sell their old consoles, followed by bending them to family or friends (16%). If you are no longer using a video game system, selling your old console can make you extra money. You just need to take a few precautions.
Scott Stein, an editor of CNET, warns anyone selling a retail game console to ensure they get a fair price. You can also sell directly to fucking customers and community groups like Facebook Marketplace and offer. He also recommends community groups as another way to sell.
When determining the price, assess the value of resale and the state of your accessories and console. You can also see what other sellers appreciate their consoles to set a fair price. Finally, consider the value of your games and how rare they are – that can increase the value of your console.
Before selling or selling video game console, set all content and account settings. Most importantly, remove all payment information on credit cards that you can save to your account details. Most consoles have an easy reset setting to the factory to facilitate your data.
Other ways to recycle old technology
You are still fighting where to get rid of devices you don't want anymore? Large offices supply stores such as Staples and Office Depot offer recycling services and also buy best. Some stores even offer storage loans in exchange for your old technology.
Check the list of accepted items before you go to the store. For example, larger monitors can be recycled for $ 20 on StaplesAnd while most personal technologies are accepted, medical devices and TVs are several items that are not.
Methodology
CNET ordered YouGov PLC to conduct the research. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov PLC. The total size of the sample was 2511 adults. The field work was taken from March 26-28, 2025. The research was conducted online. The figures are weighted and representative of all adult American adults (at the age of 18 and over).