Aussies hoarding old gadgets due to data security concerns

New research shows many Australians admit to hoarding their old electronic gadgets because they lack an understanding of how to recycle electronic waste (e-waste) and they are concerned about what would happen to the personal data left on the devices if they did.

The research, commissioned by e-waste collection and recycling service TechCollect, which surveyed 1000 respondents last October, also revealed that around 45% do not currently recycle e-waste and 80.7% place more importance on household recycling like cardboard, glass and plastic.

Many respondents claimed their biggest barriers to recycling were being unsure on where to start (46.1%) and concern over their personal data getting into the wrong hands (38.7%). Other responses showed that many didn’t know where drop-off points were, they thought they might need them again one day, or that they could recycle their old technology in the first place.

Carmel Dollisson, CEO of TechCollect, said nearly half of the people surveyed also admitted to putting their e-waste out for council collection, which can be hazardous to the environment.

“Often people will try and do the right thing, without realising that kerbside collections don’t always provide a guarantee that the product won’t end up in landfill,” said Dollisson.

“By recycling televisions and computers through a program like TechCollect, we ensure that non-renewable resources are safely recovered, so that they can be used again in future manufacturing, as well as ensuring that product containing materials which can be dangerous to both people and the environment if put in landfill are instead correctly recovered or disposed of.”

TechCollect operates under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, which also aims to educate the public to understand the important role it plays in responsible e-waste recycling.

“In the digital age where technology consumption is at an all-time high, this has never been more prevalent,” added Dollisson.

The survey also showed over 90% of respondents believed there should be better retail incentives in place to make it easier for them to recycle their e-waste.

TechCollect advises consumers to always permanently erase personal data from any computer, tablet or laptop before recycling, and if needed, to contact the manufacturer on how to do this or search online for data wiping services.

To find out more information about TechCollect or to find a designated drop-off site, go to: www.techcollect.com.au.

Image courtesy of Andrew Magill under CC BY 2.0