Companies can clear out their old tech and cash in with O2 Recycle for Business

• O2 Recycle for Business has saved 45,000 devices from waste since the service relaunched in 2023. 

• Companies can use O2 Recycle for Business to trade in their unwanted smartphones and tablets and receive cash back, credit towards new devices, or donate funds to charity. 

• Devices will be data wiped, repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled – with zero parts going to landfill. 

Almost 45,000 devices have been saved from waste thanks to O2 Recycle for Business. 

Since the scheme’s relaunch in October 2023, companies across the UK have traded in thousands of unwanted smartphones and tablets, earning nearly £330,000.  

The tech has been data wiped, and then repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled – with zero parts going to landfill, helping prevent electronic waste (e-waste). 

The O2 Recycle for Business service helps companies of all sizes, regardless of their mobile provider, trade in their old technology – where they can receive cashback, credit towards new devices, or donate funds to charity.  

Reuse or Recycle  

With Virgin Media O2’s research revealing there are approximately 11.8 million unused business devices gathering dust that could be reused or recycled, more companies are missing out on an opportunity to clear out their old tech, earn money, and protect e-waste from damaging the planet.  

Organisations can recycle their phones and tablets in five simple steps, registering multiple devices at once, and arranging a free courier collection to take the devices away. 

The service also supports employees working remotely who have many unused devices stashed in drawers, garages, or lofts, as businesses can send them a QR code so they can also post the items to O2 Recycle for free. 

Businesses can use their credit to buy new devices via O2 or donate up to 100% of their cash back to Virgin Media O2’s charity partner, Good Things Foundation, to support digital inclusion projects across the UK. 

O2 Recycle for Business also supports organisations to lower their Scope 3 supply chain carbon emissions by ensuring that devices are more likely to be given a second life. 

Helping businesses go green 

In addition, Virgin Media O2 Business is helping companies become more sustainable with its suite of tools. This includes a carbon calculator to help organisations understand their carbon footprint, and a Tech Donation programme where businesses can rehome their unwanted devices with people in need. Businesses can find out more here. 

This forms part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, where the company is working to support consumers and businesses to carry out 10 million ‘circular actions’ by the end of 2025.  

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: 

“We know businesses want simple solutions to help them become more sustainable. 

“That’s why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in helping companies to reduce their waste, recycle their unwanted tech, and reuse their unwanted devices. 

“Businesses can also play a vital role in supporting digital inclusion by accessing tech donation programmes, where their unused devices can be given a second life and used by someone in need, helping them to get online, access essential websites and build digital skills.”