Trending Now - Most Americans Neglect to Recycle Outdated Technology

WHO:

Mashable - Americans are the primary focus of the surveys regarding recycling outdated technology.

CNET - The article discusses the behavior of 29% of Americans regarding old smartphones.

WHAT:

CNET - Less than 40% of Americans recycle old technology.

CNET - 29% of Americans are keeping old devices at home instead of recycling them.

CNET - Some Americans are discarding old devices in the trash.

WHERE:

CNET - The findings pertain to the United States.

WHEN:

CNET - The surveys and findings are relevant to the year 2026.

WHY:

Mashable - Americans do not know what to do with old phones, contributing to the neglect of recycling.

HOW:

CNET - Old smartphones can be recycled or traded in for extra cash, but many Americans are not utilizing these options.

(UPDATED April 21, 2026 21:17 UTC)

Recent surveys reveal that less than 40% of Americans recycle their outdated technology, with 29% choosing to keep old smartphones at home instead. Many individuals are also discarding these devices in the trash, largely due to uncertainty about how to properly recycle them. While old smartphones can be recycled or traded in for cash, a significant number of Americans are missing out on these options.