A survey report shows that Americans buy consumer electronics far faster than they recycle electronics they no longer need.
A survey on "American Electronics Recycling Habits" commissioned by Staples, the largest office supplies retailer in the United States, shows that 74% of Americans own more than two televisions and 38% own more than two smartphones. However, only 8% of Americans recycle electronic products they no longer need.
Most Americans don't stop buying newer or more functional electronic products just because they already own one. The report indicates that over half (52%) of respondents would like to receive an electronic product as a Christmas gift, with 36% saying they would like the latest technology on the market. However, when opening gifts, a staggering 56% of those who hoped for an electronic product felt that the gift they received wasn't what they actually wanted.
The survey shows that most people are constantly replacing their old electronic devices. More than one-third (36%) of respondents replaced their smartphones with new ones in the past year, while 23% replaced their televisions. Of those who replaced their household electronics in the past year, only 11% recycled their old ones.
As a result, every American household is filled with electronic devices that are no longer in use. On average, every 100 American households own 139 smartphones, 119 laptops, and 252 televisions.
It is estimated that 24% of Americans choose to hoard electronic products they no longer need rather than recycle them, 14% may give these electronic products away, and 10% of Americans will sell them for cash.
The research results show that the culprit behind Americans' tendency to hoard unwanted electronic products is actually a lack of information. 31% of respondents were unaware that electronic products can be recycled, while 29% did so because there were no recycling centers or stores near their homes.
Staples' newly established B2B business-to-business division, Staple Advantage, began collaborating with international electronics recycler Electronics Recyclers International in August of this year. The initial focus will be on promoting corporate waste electronics recycling services, with the aim of driving a nationwide trend of waste electronics recycling, turning waste into resources, and reducing the negative impact on the Earth's energy resources.
Sources: Environmental Leader (2014-11-19) (Compiled by PIDC)
