British households contain more than £20 billion worth of unused technology - including old smartphones, laptops and tablets, according to research
A study found the average home has tech to the tune of £813.90 lying around in drawers, cupboards and on shelves.
This equates to unused devices worth £20 billion across the 26.3million households in the country with access to connectivity.
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Hide AdAnd the average adult hasn’t had a clear out of old tech for more than three-and-a-half years, according to the poll of 2,000 adults.
While 81 per cent have a mobile phone gathering dust in a drawer that hasn’t been used in more than a year.
A lack of motivation when it comes to cleaning up
The research also found a lack of motivation, not enough time and having to wipe it clean of documents are among the top reasons for leaving it so long to have a tidy up.
And rather than throw old tech away, adults keep them on hand ‘just in case’ something happens to their upgraded phone, and two in 10 just can’t be bothered to get rid of them.
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Hide AdNearly a fifth of those polled (17 per cent) also admitted they consider themselves a hoarder when it comes to tech.
A further quarter would be more likely to sell an old car when buying a new one, than sell tech items when buying a replacement.
It also emerged that more than one in 10 feel the need to keep up with the latest technology, with a third thinking the best time to buy new tech is either on the day of the release or a while after.
While one in three expect to receive at least one tech gift this Christmas, with thousands expected to hit the Boxing Day sales to buy themselves new gadgets.
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