Roman Kemp on using old tech to tackle 'digital exclusion'

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This equates to unused devices worth £20 billion across the 26.3million households in the country with access to connectivity.

And 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.

Meanwhile 81 percent have a mobile phone gathering dust in a drawer that hasn’t been used in more than a year.

Max Taylor, consumer director, Vodafone UK, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s shocking to see just how much old tech we have lying around our homes.

“It’s easy to keep an old tech device just in case something goes wrong with a new one, but when that “just in case” moment hasn’t come for a year, maybe it’s time to have a sort out.”

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, while two in ten just can’t be bothered to get rid of them.

With so much of modern life centred around technology, those who do not have access to it risk getting left behind

Max Taylor, Vodafone UK consumer director

Nearly a fifth of those polled (17 percent) 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 ten 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.

And one in three hope to receive at least one tech gift this Christmas, with thousands expected to hit the Boxing Day sales to buy themselves new gadgets.

But despite an Ofcom report showing that 1.5 million households live in “digital exclusion” – meaning that they lack the connectivity, devices or digital skills needed to participate in society – two in ten adults didn’t know it’s possible to donate an old device to charity.

Currently, only six percent would consider donating their old tech to charity.

Furthermore, as many as 48 percent don’t know how to recycle or get rid of old technology responsibly.

And four in ten don’t know what digital poverty means – although 57 percent consider internet access and connectivity an essential right.

The study, carried out by OnePoll, also found more than a third would give their old device away if they knew it would make a difference to someone.

To encourage people to donate their unused tech, Vodafone has teamed up with Roman Kemp to launch “ReBoxing day”.

Max Taylor added: “With so much of modern life centred around technology, those who do not have access to it risk getting left behind.

“Most people have old devices tucked away at home that they know they will never use again.

“That’s why this Christmas we are calling on the British public to help us tackle digital poverty by donating their old devices – anyone can donate an old device, you don’t have to be a Vodafone customer to take part.

“We’ll then add six months of free data, calls and texts, and gift your old device to those who need them the most.”

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