// Currys has launched ‘Cash for Trash’, a recycling scheme that pays shoppers for bringing their old technology to its stores
// The trial will run from today until 15 April and shoppers can trade in unwanted or broken technology for vouchers in store
Currys has launched a tech recycling pilot that rewards shoppers for bringing in their unwanted or broken electronics into stores.
The scheme, called ‘Cash for Trash’, will run from today until 15 April. Shoppers will receive a voucher based on the trade-in value of the item, with televisions and small domestic appliances exchanged for hundreds of pounds off new products.
The retailer is offering £100 off any TV over £1,000, and up to £40 off selected small appliances when shoppers bring in their old products. It aims to repair, rehome or recycle the products that are brought into stores.
Currys chief supply chain officer Lindsay Haselhurst said the retailer already helps customers recycle technology, however Cash for Trash “aims to take it to the next level” by offering a monetary reward.
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According to research by the electricals firm, 38% of people would be more likely to use a tech recycling scheme if there was a monetary incentive involved and that their personal data was disposed of properly.
Haselhurst said: “This trial is all about making recycling easy and rewarding. We’re urging the nation to look in drawers, under the sofa and up in the loft – as these unused tech devices that have seen better days could be repaired, rehomed or recycled into something new.”
“We really are accepting any tech, bought from anywhere, even if it’s broken – it might look like trash, but it isn’t to us.”
Currys said that 527 million pieces of unused tech are hoarded in homes across Britain and at least 155,000 tonnes of tech ends up in landfill each year.
The most common items that households hold on to are mobile phones, cameras, speakers and headphones, according to a YouGov survey.
Haselhurst added: “Cash for Trash is good for consumers’ wallets and for the planet. You can be confident that your tech will be handled responsibly by the thousands of dedicated Currys colleagues who are experts in diagnosing and advising on the best outcome for unwanted and broken items – whether that’s repairing, refurbishing, or recycling.”
Currys rival Ao.com also runs an appliance recycling scheme, although without a financial incentive. Last month the online retailer revealed it had recycled more than five million household appliances since it opened its recycling facility five years ago.
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