Do not store old technologies. The CNET study finds 31% of adults that adults hold unused devices

If The occurrence of tariffs Do you consider upgrading your smartphone or laptop This year, what will you do with your old device?

A recent CNET survey reveals that over three in 10 (31%) adults in the United States are hanging on old devices as they are not sure what to do smartphones., Video game consoles., Laptops and others Technical accessories They no longer use. Almost one in the fifth (19%) adults in the United States discard these devices. However, many prefer to trade with their old stock market or superstructure devices (37%) while 25% sell them.

With Tariffs Expected to increase electronics prices, there are still ways to save money on new technologies and Selling your old devices can help compensate for costs. If your device is broken or too old for sale, experts recommend using an electronics recycling service to avoid environmental pollution and thus valuable materials such as copper and aluminum can be reused.

Here’s what the CNN is the most recent survey of how are US adults discarding technologies they no longer want And tips on what you can do with yours.

Key Hogs:

• 31% of adults in the United States are still behaving on old technology devices because they are not sure what to do with them.
• 37% of Americans trade or exchange their old devices while 25% sell them.
• 29% use a recycling service to throw out old technologies while 19% throw old devices into the bin.

Over one -third of us, adults, trade or exchange their old technologies

Many adults in the United States (37%) trade smartphones, gaming devices, laptops and accessories for another device or upgrade. This can be useful if the retailer offers a discount from the new widget in exchange for trade.

Other disposal methods include giving it to a loved one or recycling it. Some adults in the United States are even trying to sell their devices, which can bring extra money. Here is a more detailed consideration of some common disposal methods based on the CNET study.

Read more: Spring cleaning? Free tips for recycling expert technologies for a more environmental home

How to maximize trade value with your smartphone

One third of us adults trade with their smartphones for exchange or upgrade to reduce the price of a new one. Others use a Recycling service Or give the old device. Here’s a more close look.

If you are planning to trade an old device, start with your telephone carrier, said Patrick Holland, CNET’s managing editor for Mobile. Many manufacturers, such as Apple and SamsungHe will partner with the carriers to offer steep discounts to a new model when you are trading with an old one.

“These transactions usually happen within the first month, a new phone goes on sale and can sometimes cover the whole price – it only depends on how old and in what condition the phone you are trading,” he said. Some manufacturers may offer more prior discounts during the pre -order period before a new phone is released, Holland added.

The longer you wait to trade with your device, the less you are likely to get. For example, if you are upgrading to the iPhone 16, you may need an iPhone 12 Pro or a more new model to get a complete promotional offer. Check your retailer for your retailer to make sure your device qualifies.

Most importantly, make sure your device works and is in good condition, with minimal scratches or cracks. You can also compare the trading offers by receiving evaluations from different retailers and carriers for the best deal.

If your phone is not eligible for a trading offer or if you think the offer is too low, consider selling your phone. CNET experts recommend SWAPPA, an online market for sale and purchasing used electronics. Swappa helps you set your price fairly by comparing similar models and features with yours. But there are other options to look at.

“I was very lucky on eBay and gazelle,” Holland said. “Selling a phone on eBay may include a little work and take a while, but you will usually get more money there.”

Gazelle and similar resale sites are usually faster than selling eBay or Facebook Marketplace. But you can get less money for your device, Holland said. You can also trade your technology with Best Buy Trade ProgramS And if the value of your device is too low, you can recycle it right in the store.

On the other hand, if you do not want to get money from your old phone, many retailers and carriers – such as Apple, Best Buy and AT&T – will recycle it for free. It is best to call the physical store to be sure in advance. The Netherlands also recommends donating your old charity phone, such as Mobile phones for soldiersIf the phone is in good, working order.

Read more: Apple iPhone 16 trading tips: Getting your next phone using your old

Many adults in the US recycle or submit old laptops and computers

By number, nearly a quarter of us adults recycle our computers and computer accessories, while 18% give the old computer to family or friends. But 21% are not sure what to do with the computer.

There are several options, but no matter how you throw away, it is important to first remove your personal data.

Before you recycle your laptop or distribute it, the managing editor of CNET and home fun Josh Goldman recommends Its restoration to its original condition To make sure your sensitive data are deleted from the machine.

“Remove any software you don’t use, delete unnecessary files and update the operating system,” Goldman said. “Back up all your important files, save all the software you need – and find the license keys, if you have paid for it – and make a full reset system to get fresh.”

Usually manufacturers offer software for free download for secure data deletion. Windows devices have a protected deletion option embedded in the system. Finish by blowing up any dust and debris with a canned air and cleaning the outside with a fabric that is safe for electronics.

For additional protection Goldman offers Remove the hard disk or solid state from your computer and destroy it. “It’s not necessary, but it’s extra calm,” Goldman said. If this is not an option, it recommends resetting the laptop and then using software to delete a solid device or hard drive.

You are then free to donate or donate your device. Many communities offer free places to drop electronics. Goldman recommends that you start your demand with the Ministry of Public Affairs in your city or district.

“If you are not sure where to start, use Earth911.comSearch. Just release your postal code and it will give you local options, “he said.

Many gamers choose to sell old consoles

As for getting rid of unused Video game systems17% of gamers prefer to sell their old consoles, followed by gifts to a family or friends (16%). If you no longer use a video game system, selling your old console can earn you extra money. You just have to take a few precautions.

Scott Stein, CNET editor as a whole, warns anyone who sells a retailer to make a retailer to make sure they get a fair price. You can also sell directly to buyers of eBay and communities like Facebook Marketplace and offer. He also recommends groups of communities as another way of selling.

When determining the price, consider the value of the resale and the condition of your accessories and console. You can also look at what other sellers value their consoles to determine a fair price. Finally, think about the value of your games and how rare they are – this can increase the value of your console.

Before selling or donating a video game console, reset all content and account settings. Most importantly, remove any credit card payment information that you may have stored in your account data. Most consoles have an easy reset setting to a factory to make it easier to delete your data.

Other ways to recycle old technology

You’re still struggling with where to get rid of devices you don’t want anymore? Main office supplies like Staples and Office Depot offer recycling services as well as the best buy. Some stores even offer store loans in exchange for your old technology.

Check the list of accepted items before you go to the store. For example, the greater monitors can be recycled for $ 20 at StapleAnd while most personal technologies are accepted, medical devices and TVs are several elements that are not.

Methodology

CNET instructed Yougov PLC to conduct the poll. All numbers, unless otherwise stated, are from Yougov PLC. The total sample size is 2511 adults. The field work was carried out on March 26-28, 2025. The survey was conducted online. The numbers are weighed and representative of all adults in the United States (over 18 years of age).