O2 Recycle launched in 2009 and has seen over 4 million devices recycled, resulting in more than £354 million being distributed to consumers.
You don’t have to be an O2 customer to use the recycling service, and you can trade in everything from your mobile phone or tablet to gaming consoles like an Xbox or PlayStation.
♻️ To mark International E-Waste Day, we’ve revamped our O2 Recycle scheme.
Since 2009, O2 Recycle has:
♻️ Recycled more than 4mil devices
🫰 Paid out more than £354mil to consumers
🥬 Zero parts have gone into landfillVisit O2 Recycle: https://t.co/YSjhhl8p44 pic.twitter.com/0zSEsqbQZ7
— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) October 14, 2025
Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, Dana Haidan, said: “Many families are feeling the pinch right now but there’s money to be made from the unwanted tech that’s stashed in cupboards and drawers around our homes.
“By trading in old devices with O2 Recycle, people can make some extra cash to help cover festive costs or put towards new gadgets.
“On average, Brits can make more than £500 from unused tech, which could go a long way towards gifts, food or family treats.
“O2 Recycle makes it quick, simple and rewarding to give old devices a second life or for them to be recycled, helping both your wallet and the planet.”
How to save money
How much money you could make from your old device with O2
As part of O2 Recycle, you could claim up to £1000 back for your old device.
Some of the highest prices on offer, according to O2, are:
- Apple iPhone : £750 (iPhone 17 Pro Max)
- Other mobile phones : £821 (Samsung Galaxy 2 Fold7)
- Apple MacBook : £1000 (MacBookPro14 6 M2 Max 12 Core CPU 38 Core GPU 16 inch A2780 1/2023)
- Apple Watch : £250 (Apple Watch Ultra 2 49MM Cellular)
- Apple iPad : £440 (iPad Pro 12.9 inch 6 cellular)
- PlayStation : £145 (Sony PS5 Slim or Slim Digital Edition)
- Xbox : £110 (Xbox series X or S)
- Nintendo Switch : £92 (Nintendo Switch OLED)
- Airpods Pro : £50 (Airpods Pro 2nd Generation)
These prices are based on the devices being in full working condition.
You can find out exactly how much your old mobile or device is worth via the O2 website .
The items you should collect to make the most money
You don’t have to be an O2 customer to use the recycling service, and you can trade in up to five devices at once.
Devices can be sent with free postage, where they will be securely data-wiped, and then refurbished, repaired and resold, or recycled.
You will then receive cash for your device within 3-5 days.
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How to claim cash back via O2 Recycle
To claim money for your old device via O2 Recycle, all you have to do is follow these five simple steps:
- Select your device (using the O2 website – a link to which can be found above).
- Receive your estimate from O2, and if you are satisfied, complete your order.
- Prepare your device by backing it up, charging it and sorting out security.
- Post it to O2 (using your own packaging and label or one of its free packs).
- O2 will then securely wipe your device, and you’ll get paid within 3 to 5 days after it has been received.
Alternatively, people buying devices or mobile plans from O2 can trade in their unwanted smartphone, tablet or smartwatch to get money off their device or airtime plan.
