Electronics recycling: Greek consumers top the list

Consumers in Greece are more resourceful in the way they can utilize their electronic devices when they “get old” and are open to buying a recycled electronic device. In fact, Greece is the first country among 19 in the recycling of electronic devices, according to research carried out by Focus Bari.

The survey showed that in Greece more than one in two citizens recycle their electronic devices when they become old in contrast to 26% of citizens in all the countries examined by the survey (USA, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, France, Germany , Spain, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Singapore, United Arab Emirates). Also, a large percentage, more than four out of ten, state that they give them to a friend or relative, while only 8% state that they throw them away.

As for Greece, to the question “what do you do with electronic devices that you no longer use”, 13% of 18- to 24-year-olds say that they exchange them for another device or upgrade their device, 22% sell them, 42 % give them to friends, while 51% store them and 29% recycle them. The percentages may add up to more than 100% because some may prefer two or more alternatives at the same time.

The picture changes as the ages increase, with one in four aged 35 and over choosing to recycle the devices and less likely to store them in a cupboard or basement, around two in ten aged 25 to 45 choosing to sell them, while ¼ exchanges them with some other device.

At the same time, Greeks who choose to recycle seem to agree to buy a refurbished device.

49% of Greeks state that they have never bought refurbished or recycled electronic products, but are thinking about it, when in other countries the percentage is at 41%. 28% have bought recycled electronics (the same percentage as in other countries), while 23% say they have not done so but do not intend to do so in the future, when in other countries the same opinion is held by 31%.

Among the citizens of the countries that participated in the survey, Americans and Brits have bought the most recycled electronic devices with percentages of 39% and 41% respectively, while our country is in ninth place with a percentage of 28%.

Finally, as a condition for the purchase of a recycled device, 39% set a condition that a one-year warranty is given, 41% that the device be in perfect condition, 41% if it is available from a reliable seller, 29% if they can see the device before buying it and 36% if the price of the product is 25% lower than that at which a new one is sold.