Why e-waste matters
E-waste isn’t just about clutter. Old electronics contain valuable materials such as gold, copper, and rare earth elements. When these devices end up in landfills, these resources are wasted — and toxic substances like lead and mercury can leak into the environment.
Why so many devices are unused
Research shows that hundreds of millions of old phones are sitting unused in drawers across Europe. In Sweden alone, it’s estimated that 11 million unused phones are stored in households. Each of those devices could be reused, resold, or recycled instead of collecting dust.
What we can do:
Sell and recycle: Giving unused phones a second life reduces waste and saves resources
Choose refurbished: Buying a refurbished device instead of new lowers demand for raw materials
Use kiosks like Vendy: Safe, instant, and reliable ways to sell old phones mean fewer devices stay forgotten
Conclusion
E-waste is a growing challenge, but the solution is already in our hands — literally. By reselling and recycling old devices, we reduce environmental impact, recover valuable materials, and make tech more sustainable. The next time you find an old phone in a drawer, consider turning it into cash — and helping the planet at the same time.
