Gadgets 'worth £762m sent to landfill each year'

Updated

Britons send unwanted electronic gadgets and gizmos worth a staggering £762m straight to landfill each year, new research has claimed.

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A study carried out on behalf of mobile phone provider O2 revealed that one-in-three British adults have sent potentially valuable electronic goods to the dump.

And it claims that the items in question could have been worth an average of £43.54 if taken to a recycling centre.

There are also envirnomental concerns about sending electronics to landfill, because many contain potentially harmful materials such as lead and cadmium - which it is feared could contaminate groundwater.

Companies such as Sainsbury's, Asda, Tesco, Boots and the Royal Mail offer recycling services and give money for goods in reasonable condition.

Susanne Baker from manufacturers' organisation EEF said: "Electronic equipment in particular is rich with materials which are in high demand but scarce supply.

"We know many manufacturers are worried about securing stable supplies of these materials at the right price."

Have you sent gadgets to landfill? Or have you recycled yours? Comment below...

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