Did you know the average UK household is hiding nearly 30 unused tech items in drawers and cupboards? Meanwhile, electronic waste is the fastest‑growing waste type on the planet. 

Since April is Earth Month, we have the perfect moment to rethink our tech habits and make choices that help cut out on e-waste.

At iD Mobile and Currys, we’re committed to not throwing tech on the scrapheap. It’s woven into how we do business. From tackling the UK’s growing e‑waste problem to empowering communities with accessible technology, we’re working hard to put tech in the hands of people who really need it.

In this article, we’ll walk you through our biggest recycling initiatives, show you how your old gadgets could put money back in your pocket and share simple day‑to‑day habits that make a real difference.

Currys is the UK’s number one tech recycler, processing an average of 60,000 tonnes of unwanted tech every year. That means your old laptops, phones, printers, cables and kitchen appliances are kept out of landfill and given a more responsible second life.

A big part of that effort happens at our Newark repair labs — one of Europe's largest tech repair and refurbishment facilities. Here, devices are assessed and either:

• expertly refurbished for resale
• harvested for spare parts to help repair other gadgets
• dismantled so components and raw materials can be recycled responsibly

This circular approach keeps valuable materials in use for longer and helps us cut out needless e-waste.

And they’re not stopping there. Currys has set a bold target: Net Zero emissions across the entire business by 2040. It’s a long-term commitment, but one they’re already taking big steps towards.

One of the simplest ways to do your bit? Clear out that cupboard of forgotten tech.

With the hugely popular Cash for Trash scheme, you can bring any unwanted item with a plug or battery to a Currys store and walk away with at least a £5 voucher. It doesn’t need to work - we’ll take it and recycle it properly.

If you’ve got an old phone, the iD Mobile Trade‑In programme gives you even more value. When you trade in with us:

• Working phones are refurbished and given a second life
• Non‑repairable devices are responsibly recycled
• Toxic materials stay out of landfill

In early 2026 we launched the Hidden Treasure Hunt, a nationwide competition for UK schoolchildren. The mission? Hunt down forgotten e‑waste at home for the chance to win a share of £20,000 in tech vouchers for their school. It’s a fun, hands‑on way to teach the next generation about recycling and responsible tech use.

We’re also proud of ongoing partnerships like Recycle for Good, where donated and refurbished corporate laptops are passed to charities, schools and families who need them most. These devices help bridge the digital divide - all while reducing the amount of tech heading to the bin.

If your phone is ready for an upgrade this Earth Month, choosing refurbished is one of the most impactful decisions you can make.

Here’s why:

• It feels great. Keeping existing devices in circulation massively cuts down e‑waste – which we can all feel positive about.
• You’ll save money. Refurbished phones are significantly cheaper than buying brand new.
• Quality is guaranteed. Every iD Mobile refurbished phone is professionally tested, checked and refreshed by experts.
• You get peace of mind. All refurbished iD Mobile phones include a 12‑month warranty as standard.

You get the tech you love — without worrying about waste.

Big impact starts with small changes. Here are some everyday habits that help cut your digital carbon footprint:

1. Repair over replace

If your phone screen cracks or the battery is fading fast, you don’t need a whole new device. Currys offers expert repairs that extend your phone's life and reduce waste.

2. Optimise your battery health

Features like Optimised Battery Charging (iPhone) or Adaptive Battery (Android) help slow down long‑term battery wear, meaning your device lasts longer.

3. Declutter the cloud

Massive data centres use huge amounts of energy. Regularly deleting unused files, old emails, and duplicate photos reduces your personal data footprint.

4. Cut vampire power

Energy‑monitoring smart plugs automatically switch off chargers, TVs or gaming gear when they’re not in use - stopping silent energy drain.

Currys processes huge amounts of e‑waste every year and is firmly on the path to Net Zero by 2040. iD Mobile’s trade‑in and refurbished phone programmes make it rewarding and easy to recycle your old tech responsibly.

So why not have a rummage through your drawers this Earth Month? Dig out those forgotten cables, that dusty MP3 player or the phone you upgraded three handsets ago — and bring them to your local Currys store.

What’s the most obscure piece of retro tech you’ve found at the back of a cupboard? Comment below and drop a photo if you have one.