Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Could Your Old Mobile Phone Help Make You Some Extra Cash?

Sunday, 20 February 2022 06:00

By Dominic Kureen X @WriteOnDom

Some extra money could be close at hand if you have a mobile gathering dust, says Vicky Shaw.

A cash windfall would be welcomed by many households right now, as living costs surge.

For some, this might be closer than they think, as new research suggests 45% of people have a backup mobile phone they rarely use.

They’re clinging onto these old but working mobile phones, despite using a new model day-to-day.

Mobile network giffgaff released the research, finding the UK is failing to cash in on around £3.4 billion-worth of old and recyclable mobile phones.

Some people might be hanging onto their old mobile “just in case”.

But around two-thirds (67%) of those with old backup handsets say they have not used them in the past year, and nearly a fifth (19%) have used their previous device just once in that time.

Some people also have feelings of fondness for their old mobiles which are stopping them from letting go, with around one in eight (12%) saying they feel emotionally attached to their previous phone.

Households might be missing a trick, as giffgaff says the average trade-in value of a recyclable used handset is £111.

Of course, the exact price someone can get for their old mobile will depend on the handset, and giffgaff cautions prices can potentially fall quickly.

When it compared trade prices for some models between January 2021 and January 2022, it found devices lost around 50% of their value within a year.

Alongside the financial hit, not recycling an old mobile phone could contribute to the problem of “e-waste” from old, unused tech.

CEO of giffgaff Ash Schofield says:

“Our latest research highlights that there’s a significant opportunity for people with an old mobile phone to make a tangible, sustainable impact, and gain some extra cash.

“And with the cost of living rising across the board, now is a great time to get something back by trading in your old phone.”

Share

More from Lifestyle

  • Five Amazing Chocolate Varieties Worldwide You Must Try

    Chocolate comes in many different varieties, each with unique flavours, textures, and origins. Across the globe, different regions produce distinct chocolate experiences that are a must-try for any chocolate lover. Here are five amazing chocolate varieties you should experience:

  • Five Unique Pancake Combinations Around The World

    Pancakes are a beloved dish across the globe, but each culture adds its own unique twist to this classic treat. Whether sweet or savoury, these five pancake variations offer a delightful taste of different culinary traditions, and may be worth a go this Pancake Day!

  • Five Of The Most Wondrous Ancient Ruins In The World

    The world is home to countless ancient ruins that stand as awe-inspiring reminders of past civilizations. These structures, built centuries or even millennia ago, offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and artistry of those who came before us. If you love history and adventure, here are five of the most wondrous ancient ruins you should see in your lifetime:

  • Five Of The Most Inhospitable Places on the Planet

    The Earth is home to some of the most breath-taking landscapes, but it also harbours regions so extreme that they challenge the limits of human survival. From scorching deserts to freezing wastelands, here are five of the most inhospitable places on the planet:

  • Five Animals You Wouldn’t Believe Are Kept as Pets

    When you think of pets, dogs, cats, or even hamsters might come to mind. But for some animal enthusiasts, the ordinary just won’t do. Across the globe, people have opted for some truly unexpected companions. From scaled oddities to exotic creatures, here are five animals you wouldn’t believe are kept as pets:

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Get Social

© Beacon Magazine Isle of Wight and Aiir 2025 | 8-10 Dodnor Park, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5XE