Brits are a nation of tech hoarders, with over 200 million unused devices, such as phones and computers, gathering dust in homes across the country, according to a study by Vodafone. The research, which surveyed 2,000 adults, revealed that the average Briton keeps at least two old phones at home, and more than one in four (26%) admit to leaving devices idle in drawers for up to five years. Security concerns were highlighted by a third of respondents (32%) as the primary reason for holding onto old technology.
Meanwhile, 36% of Brits have simply forgotten about their stashed away gadgets, and 19% keep them for sentimental reasons, such as preserving old photos and videos. Despite this tendency to hoard, the study found that 78% of people want to put their old devices to good use but are unsure how to do so or don’t believe their old tech would be of value to others. Charity partner Good Things Foundation underscores the pressing need for such donations.
Of the 8.5 million people affected by the digital divide in the UK, 1.5 million are without access to essential mobile devices and internet connection. Vodafone is urging people to donate their old devices to The Great British Tech Appeal, part of the company’s “everyone.connected” campaign. This initiative aims to help 4 million people and businesses bridge the digital divide by the end of 2025 through donations of connectivity, devices, and digital skills.
Donated gadgets are wiped, refurbished, repackaged, and provided with free data, calls, and texts for six months. Vodafone’s charity partners, including Good Things Foundation and Barnardo’s, ensure these donations reach those most in need. Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO of Good Things Foundation, emphasized the importance of such efforts during the UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign, Get Online Week.
She stated: “Digital exclusion is at unacceptable levels across the UK, causing people to miss out on opportunities and access to vital services.”
Nicki Lyons of Vodafone UK highlighted the dual benefits of the Great British Tech Appeal: tackling digital exclusion and promoting sustainability by repurposing old tech.
Brits urged to donate old tech
To illustrate the scale of digital exclusion, a map identifying the UK’s most affected areas has been released.
Regions with large populations and high deprivation levels, such as Wakefield, Brent, and Nottingham, show the highest need for support. In partnership with Good Things Foundation, Vodafone will also support hundreds of free digital skills events in local communities during Get Online Week, aiming to help tens of thousands of people get online. The top 10 areas with the highest levels of digital exclusion are:
1.
Wakefield – 17,690
2. Brent – 16,946
3. Nottingham – 15,978
4.
Lewisham – 14,991
5. Walsall – 14,215
6. Southampton – 12,363
7.
Rhondda Cynon Taf – 11,875
8. Barking and Dagenham – 10,927
9. Portsmouth – 10,341
10.
Basildon – 9,383
Vodafone encourages individuals to donate their unused devices at local Vodafone stores or through various methods promoted during Get Online Week and beyond.
