Virgin Media O2 have upgraded its ‘O2 Recycle for Business’ e-waste recycling scheme, making it easier for all companies to recycle unused technology and get paid for doing so.
The relaunch will help companies of all sizes trade in old technology, where they can receive cash back, credit towards new devices, or donate funds to charity.
The move comes after new figures show businesses are holding onto almost 12 million unused mobile phones and tablets.
The study found 7 in 10 companies would like to become more sustainable but are unsure how to handle e-waste, resulting in more than 11.8 million unused mobile and tablet devices gathering dust.
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Virgin Media O2 managing director Jo Bertram said the scheme provides businesses a “a simple way to remove unused devices cluttering their offices – and be rewarded for it.”
“Open to businesses of all sizes whether a customer of ours or not, this initiative provides businesses with a responsible method to dispose of their e-waste, all while providing the trade-in value of the device or the opportunity to donate that to our charity partner, Good Things Foundation,” added Bertram.
So far, the Virgin Media O2 recycling scheme has processed more than 3.8 million business and consumer devices since its launch in 2009, and last year paid out more than £670,000 to businesses.
Devices are data wiped and 92% are either recycled or refurbished and resold as ‘like new’ products to customers – supporting the circular economy, with the remainder broken down for raw materials.
None of the tech that goes through O2 Recycle ends up in a landfill.
