Half of U.S. Adults Uncertain About Properly Disposing Used Electronic Devices

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Ingram Micro Mobility Shares Results of "Recycling Mobile Devices: A Consumer Awareness Study"

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- (Marketwired) -- 12/16/14 -- Ingram Micro Mobility -- which works with the world's largest and best known retailers, device manufacturers and operators, handling one in three mobile devices in the United States -- today announced the results of its "Recycling Mobile Devices: A Consumer Awareness Study."1

With nearly seven billion mobile subscriptions worldwide and climbing2, the study aimed to gauge the market opportunity for sustainable alternatives. The study asked 1,000 U.S. consumers about their general awareness of how to properly recycle used devices, what incentives would increase the likelihood of recycling devices and their interest in purchasing used devices.

"The study reveals that half of U.S. adults are not certain about how to properly dispose of their used electronic devices," said Bashar Nejdawi, executive vice president, Ingram Micro and president, North America, Ingram Micro Mobility. "Sharing these findings helps present a huge opportunity for consumers and the industry, as recycling used devices is profitable for both parties, while it significantly helps preserve our environment."

Incentivizing Device Recycling
When asked about incentives that would motivate their decision to turn in old electronics to be recycled, consumers reported both altruistic and self-interested incentives.

  • Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said knowing a device would go to a person in need or to a developing country would be enough of a motivating factor to turn in old devices. Interestingly, millennials (74 percent) and 45-54 year olds (71 percent) were slightly more likely to say that altruistic incentives would help them recycle.
  • Meanwhile, consumers also indicated a "free upgrade or discount on a new device" (63 percent) and a "cash incentive or gift card" (62 percent) as motivating incentives for recycling devices.
  • However, only nine percent of those surveyed said they would recycle old devices without incentives. Of those who indicated no incentive was necessary, 23 percent were seniors.

Barriers to Making Device Recycling a Habit
Despite the power of these incentives, significant barriers still exist to achieving the recycling mindset.

  • A majority (55 percent) of those surveyed indicated concerns about clearing data and identity theft as barriers to recycling devices, followed by the lack of knowledge of where to turn in devices (45 percent) and a preference to keep devices (43 percent).
  • Among those surveyed, millennials and seniors were least concerned with data theft as a barrier to turning in a used device, while two-thirds of adults ages 45-54 said this was the biggest barrier to turning in old electronics.

Appetite for Used Products
When asked about purchasing used smartphones, tablets or wearable products, interest among consumers was only lukewarm.

  • Used products unappealing: Sixty-four percent of respondents said they would be "unlikely" to purchase a certified-used electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet or wearable product, as opposed to a new product.
  • More willingness among millennials: Nearly half of millennials -- consumers ages 18 to 34 -- said they would be "likely" to purchase a certified-used electronic device, compared to only 12 percent of seniors (65 and older).

"A gap between device recycling and shorter mobile-device lifespans has been revealed," said Nejdawi. "While the survey shows a challenging landscape for the mobile industry in terms of consumer understanding about properly disposing used electronic devices, there are opportunities to educate consumers on incentives and the value of device recycling programs."

Ingram Micro Mobility delivers supply chain, distribution and recovery solutions across all aspects of the mobility device lifecycle, through responsiveness and focused execution. The Mobility business unit helps boost accessibility of connected and mobile devices, wearables, machine-to-machine technologies and accessories in the marketplace by solving customers' complex logistical challenges. Ingram Micro Mobility's device lifecycle services include capabilities such as warehousing, software loading, e-commerce, advanced planning, order management, accounts receivable and credit management, end-user fulfillment, and reverse logistics, including wireless device repair, triaging, refurbishment and recycling services. Visit ingrammicro.com/mobility.

About Ingram Micro Inc.
Ingram Micro helps businesses realize the promise of technology™. It delivers a full spectrum of global technology and supply chain services to businesses around the world. Deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. Unrivaled agility, deep market insights and the trust and dependability that come from decades of proven relationships, set Ingram Micro apart and ahead. Discover how Ingram Micro can help you realize the promise of technology. More at ingrammicro.com.

1 The "Recycling Mobile Devices: A Consumer Awareness Study" surveyed 1,000 consumers by telephone Oct. 30-Nov. 2. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. 40 percent of those surveyed were contacted on cell phones.

2 The International Telecommunication Union, May 2014

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Source: Ingram Micro Inc.

Released December 16, 2014