Brits are Lean, Green, Non-recycling Machines: Only Half of Britons Recycle Old Tech

As latest Energy Reg legislations announced by the government in March kick in, over half (53%) of the British public claim an appliances’ product energy rating impacts their purchasing decision, only buying it if it helps make their home greener and eco-friendlier revealed in new research from Currys PC World, the biggest tech recycler in UK retail.

Encouragingly, after a year when peoples focus has been taken away from environmental issues, new research reveals the British public is still committed to making a healthier planet and a greener home. With over nine in ten (97%) claiming to own green technology in their home, it is clear Brits do care about making eco choices. Londoners come out on top with 41% claiming to own multiple environmentally friendly appliances such as LED lighting, solar panels and electric cars.

However, purchasing decision still differs between generations according to Currys PC World, UK retail’s biggest tech recycler, as 60% of Baby Boomers make their decision on the energy, but just 38% of Gen Z’s take this into consideration when buying tech. Contradictory however, the average Brit’s final purchasing decision still comes down to cost for 82% who will not hand over their money unless the price is right, with the average amount spent on new at-home appliances each year being £95 billion across the UK. 

Currys PC World is on a mission to help customers find amazing tech that helps them save water, become more energy efficient and reduce waste with their Go Greener Event.

With 29% of Londoners and 20% of the South West claiming to either throw away or store old technology, Currys PC World can help as it already recycles over 65,000 tonnes of waste electronics every year, making it the biggest recycler of e-waste in UK tech retail.  

Kesah Trowell, group head of sustainable business, Environmental, Social & Governance, Currys PC World comments: “We are super proud to be the biggest tech recycler in UK retail and want to continue to help as many Brits as possible to purchase wisely to make a difference to the planet when they buy new tech. We know that 51% of Brits only upgrade their appliances when it is broken, but it is important to understand that it may be negatively impacting the environment, even if it’s not broken. Because of this, we recommend speaking to a colleague in store or on our ShopLive online service to discuss the benefits of a greener upgrade.

Also, it’s never been more important to understand how to recycle old appliances correctly which is why we are doing the hard work for customers and will recycle all old technology, whether purchased with us or with a different electrical retailer.”

With the aim of transforming the industry and changing the planet for the better, Currys PC World ‘Go Greener’ campaign wants to help customers find amazing tech to save water and become a more energy-efficient and waste reducing household. The new range of ‘green’ tech from the UK’s number one tech retailer recycler offers free delivery and installation on all purchases and the retailer also commits to responsibly recycle all old technology for free, helping to make an efficient, easy and guilt-free purchase for Brits nationwide.