A striking red rubbish lorry rolled through London’s busy shopping streets yesterday, ahead of this year’s Black Friday sales, drawing attention to the significant environmental impact of tech waste. The eye-catching vehicle, stacked high with discarded gadgets, carried the bold message “Black Friday is a load of rubbish” as it passed through iconic locations like Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, stopping outside major retailers to make its point.
The initiative was launched by CeX, a leading specialist in second-hand electronics, following new research revealing that UK consumers are expected to spend more than £3.5 billion on unnecessary tech during this year’s Black Friday sales. The average Brit is set to splurge around £202.11 on electronics they likely don’t need, with the overall spending expected to reach more than £5 billion across the country.
The survey, commissioned by CeX and conducted with over 2,000 UK adults, found that 48% of respondents would not consider purchasing second-hand electronics due to concerns about quality and warranty. Additionally, 35% were discouraged by the limited return policies on second-hand items. To address these concerns, CeX has introduced a five-year warranty – the longest in the market – to offer greater reassurance for customers opting for second-hand tech.
The findings also revealed that only 30% of shoppers could confidently say they “very much” needed the items they were buying, suggesting that much of the £3.5 billion being spent is on unnecessary purchases. CeX’s spokesperson commented, “Black Friday is an opportunity to reflect on our buying habits. Many of the products bought during this period end up discarded within months, contributing to a growing environmental problem. Our research shows that £3.5 billion worth of tech is destined to gather dust, which is why we’ve introduced our five-year warranty to encourage more mindful purchases.”
The research also highlighted how quickly new tech is discarded. A fifth (20%) of UK residents admit to only using their new gadgets for around four months, and 35% purchase items simply to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. The survey found that Black Friday discounts are a key motivator for these habits, with 45% of shoppers admitting that the discounted prices are their primary incentive for buying tech.
In response to these findings, CeX’s rubbish lorry carried a message on its second side: “Tech lasts longer with CeX,” emphasising the value of second-hand electronics that come with a solid warranty and quality assurance. The company is encouraging consumers to consider purchasing tested, warrantied second-hand gadgets, which help keep functional devices in circulation and reduce waste.
The research also showed that the most popular tech items during this year’s Black Friday sales include headphones (22%), laptops (20%), smartwatches (19%), and mobile phones (18%). However, over half of Brits (57%) admitted to having up to eight unused gadgets at home. CeX is urging consumers to make more thoughtful decisions this Black Friday and ensure that tech products stay in use for as long as possible.
