SAN DIEGO, May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Although most
Americans know that a variety of items around the house, like
clothes and jewelry, can quickly translate into cash, many don't
realize they're wasting space and leaving money on the table by
hoarding their old electronic devices. According to survey results
released today by ecoATM, (www.ecoatm.com), the nationwide network
of automated electronics recycling kiosks, the worst offenders may
in fact be younger device owners (18-49 years old), who are more
likely than their older counterparts (those over age 50) to be
guilty of stockpiling obsolete smartphones (25 percent versus 9
percent) and tablets (13 percent versus 5 percent).
More importantly, the survey revealed that users of all ages
hold on to their old gadgets, while less than half of device owners
know that items like smartphones (45 percent), cell phones (44
percent) and MP3 players (34 percent) can translate into a profit.
Even fewer have actually sold their outdated tablets (10 percent),
cell phones (9 percent) and MP3 players (7 percent), while only 24
percent have tried recycling their unused small electronics.
Commonly, users simply store old devices around the house once they
upgrade to new models. Instead of being recycled or cashed in,
gadgets are left to clutter the house, with the most popular
locations being closets (53 percent), boxes (42 percent) and junk
drawers (41 percent).
"We know that Americans believe in the value of recycling, but
there's a disconnect between believing and doing, as many don't
know where to recycle their old cell phones and tablets," said
Mark Bowles, founder and chief
marketing officer of ecoATM. "Recycling with ecoATM is a great way
to ensure that your retired device does the most good for you and
the environment."
While it's well known that device owners replace their mobile
phones frequently, they also seem to get attached to old gadgets.
When asked why people are hanging on to old devices, many point to
sentimental reasons – in fact, far more feel nostalgic (37 percent)
than overwhelmed (23 percent) or embarrassed (15 percent) by the
outdated items collecting dust at home. Again, it's the same
younger group of device owners that feels most attached to their
older gadgets with 42 percent stating that they associate feelings
of nostalgia with these devices (versus 29 percent of those over
50).
Additional highlights of ecoATM's consumer survey include:
- Nearly nine in 10 American device owners have
outdated and unused items lying around their homes, ranging
from shoes (64 percent) and clothing (57 percent) to devices that
are far less popular today, like cell phones (57 percent) and VCRs
(48 percent).
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mobile
phones are usually replaced every 18 months, yet nearly two in
three (66 percent) men believe that their current wallet will
outlast their smartphone and more than half of women (53
percent) believe their current purse will last longer than their
smartphones.
- Although users upgrade often, many hold on to their old devices
for years after they're no longer used. Almost one in five (18
percent) admit that the oldest device they still have has been
around longer than a wide variety of items that tend to last
awhile, including their oldest kitchen appliance, pair of curtains
or set of bed sheets. Interestingly, a very small minority
(6 percent) report that the oldest condiment they have in their
fridge has been around longer than their most ancient
device!
- Device owners ages 18 to 49 are more likely than older users to
believe that it's possible to get cash for used gadgets, while
parents are more likely than non parents (91 percent vs. 76
percent) to believe that people can profit from unused items around
the house.
- More than one in four users have left behind obsolete cell
phones (52 percent), mp3 players (35 percent), smartphones (27
percent) and tablets (20 percent) in a drawer or closet to be
forgotten.
- Unfortunately, more than one in 10 device owners (12 percent)
incorrectly believe that placing old devices in any recycling bin
is a viable option for disposal, and 12 percent would consider
throwing an old gadget in the garbage after upgrading,
contributing toxic e-waste to landfills.
Recycle Responsibly with ecoATM
ecoATM's approximately 900 kiosks, which are located in shopping
malls and select retailers nationwide, recycle consumer electronics
– including mobile phones, tablets and MP3 players – to keep them
out of landfills or from languishing in desk drawers, and provide
instant cash payments as an incentive to recycle.
ecoATM kiosks accept devices of any era or condition and use a
worldwide auction system to offer consumers competitive prices
depending upon condition, which can include a few hundred dollars
for newer smartphones. Some very old phones may not be worth
anything, but with ecoATM, consumers can rest assured knowing that
they will be responsibly recycled. ecoATM is able to find a second
life for 75 percent of devices collected. For the remaining 25
percent, ecoATM partners with certified e-waste reclamation
facilities to ensure those materials are responsibly reused and
recycled.
For additional survey findings or to request high-resolution
images or b-roll of ecoATM kiosks, please contact
ecoatm@edelman.com. To learn more about ecoATM or to find a kiosk,
visit www.ecoatm.com.
*Methodology Note: The ecoATM Device Survey was conducted by
Kelton Research between March 10 and March
17, 2014, and polled 1,018 nationally representative
Americans aged 18 and older who own a smartphone, cell phone, MP3
player or tablet.
About ecoATM
ecoATM, a subsidiary of Outerwall Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTR), is the
first company to create an automated self-serve kiosk system to buy
back old phones, tablets or MP3 players for cash. ecoATM uses
patented, advanced machine vision, electronic diagnostics, and
artificial intelligence to evaluate electronics. ecoATM's
eCycling stations provide a convenient trade-in solution with
features that validate sellers' identities and deter the sale of
stolen phones, and the company is known for its collaboration with
national, state, and local law-enforcement groups in combating
mobile phone theft through innovative use of technology and
education
(http://www.ecoatm.com/law-enforcement/).
ecoATM holds both Responsible Recycling (R2) and ISO14001
certification, confirming the company's commitment to maintaining
the highest standards of electronics recycling, as well as ISO27001
certification for information and personal data security. See
http://www.ecoatm.com/how-it-works/ for a video of how an ecoATM
kiosk works. For more information, visit www.ecoatm.com and for
more information about Outerwall Inc. please visit
www.outerwall.com.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140521/89808
SOURCE ecoATM