“People have become unwitting collectors of smart devices,” says Kenk. “That drawer full of old electronics is equivalent to a room stocked with books, toys, CDs, and more. Since smartphones consolidate so many functions, it’s easy to forget the space—and environmental impact—these gadgets carry.”
This summer, Norstat found that 56% of Estonians kept their previous smartphone and left it sitting in a drawer, with only 16% passing it on to a family member, and just 8% selling it on the secondary market.
Kenk points out that, while each individual device may seem insignificant, the environmental impact of all these unused electronics adds up quickly. “In Europe alone, there are tens of billions of unused electronic devices stored at home. This is no small matter: it would take 250 years to offset the environmental toll of just the materials and energy needed to produce a single mobile phone. Reusing materials already in circulation could make a huge difference,” Kenk explains.
The survey also reveals why people are reluctant to part with their old devices. About a third (32%) felt their old phone still had sentimental or practical value. Almost as many (30%) hadn’t found time to return it, and 23% felt that the financial value of the device didn’t justify the effort.
“There are understandable reasons for keeping these devices, especially if they were well cared for,” says Kenk. “But the best way to honor a device that was once valued is to let it go, ensuring it can be reused. Personally, I recommend the Ringy platform, where I can return my devices securely and find refurbished replacements,” she adds.
Kenk also addresses those who feel the return compensation is too low. She explains that accepting an old device for free doesn’t mean it’s worthless. “Many people work hard to bring these devices back to life, and keeping them at home isn’t free either. Consider how much each square meter of your home costs, and whether it’s worth paying for space taken up by items you no longer use,” she suggests.
Piret Paulus, Head of Business Development at Inbank, notes that the respondents aged 18-29 and those in their 30s also struggle with finding time to return their old electronics. “For many young adults, environmental protection is a priority, yet they tend to upgrade their devices more frequently than previous generations,” Paulus observes. “For those who want a simpler solution, phone rental provides flexibility and cost savings compared to outright buying. You can just return the device when you’re done, which frees up time and space.
”Inbank’s Head of Business Development, Piret Paulus, adds that younger Estonians, who prioritize environmental protection, also tend to replace devices more often. For those seeking a simpler solution, Paulus suggests renting devices, which saves time, space, and money compared to outright purchases.
Paulus and Kenk agree that every choice has a cost, and it’s not always financial. They encourage everyone to consider the impact of their gadgets and to think carefully about whether their devices still add joy and value and if the lifespan of each device justifies its purchase.
The Norstat survey, conducted on behalf of Inbank, included responses from 1,001 Estonians and reflects a diverse cross-section by age, gender, and region. In collaboration with iDeal and ONOFF, Inbank offers a monthly phone rental option, allowing customers to switch or return their devices at the end of the rental period. Returned devices are processed by Inbank’s partners, Foxway and Upgreat, ensuring each device is either refurbished or responsibly recycled.
