40 million

Amount of unused gadgets in UK homes

Millions of gadgets lying unused in UK homes could lead to a shortage of ‘rare-earth’ elements needed to make future devices, scientists have warned. Smartphones, for example, require 30 different elements, some of which are in short supply.

A survey of 2,000 Brits by the Royal Society of Chemistry ( www.snipca.com/32563) found that 40 million old gadgets are languishing in drawers and cupboards.

Half of all households have at least one unused electronic device, while 45 per cent had up to five. Young people had the most devices, with 52 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds owning 10 or more, compared with 39 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds, and 30 per cent of people over 55.

Over 80 per cent said they didn’t plan to recycle devices, leaving valuable and rare elements trapped inside. Concern over private data stored on devices was the main reason given for not

recycling, though nearly 30 per cent didn’t know where they could recycle unwanted gadgets.

One rare element, indium tin oxide, is essential in making touchscreens work because it’s transparent and conducts electricity. Dr Elizabeth Ratcliffe from the Royal Society of Chemistry told the BBC: “It’s also used in solar panels, so we’re going to need a lot of it in the future”.

She added that another endangered element, tantalum, is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for hearing aids and pacemakers.

It’s predicted that both indium and tantalum could run out within a century. Scientists have urged people to search for their nearest recycling centre at www.recyclenow.com/localrecycling. These electrical waste-reprocessing plants can break down components for recycling.

You can also return devices to the retailer, which is obliged to accept them.

How many old gadgets do you have lying around unused? Let us know: letters@computeractive.co.uk