At HYLA, we often stress the important role mobile device trade-in has in helping to protect the environment. Just as important is having the right tools, like mobile apps, to help you continue to improve your sustainability efforts and decisions. There are many sustainability apps available that can help you be more environmentally conscious and enjoy a more sustainable life.

The second quarter of the year is typically the least active for new smartphone sales and thereby for trade-in and upgrade. This year has been no exception. In Q2 2021, U.S. consumers received  $571M through trade-in and upgrade programs. This was a sharp 253% increase over what was returned to consumers in Q2 2020 but was expected as there was the economic turndown during the same period in 2020 due to the pandemic. Comparing  quarter over quarter, we saw a 14% decrease from Q1 to Q2, which is slightly better than the 15% we see during normal circumstances.

The COVID-19 pandemic confirmed just how dependent we are on connectivity.  And although we are not yet in the clear from the pandemic, plans are in place to ensure economies can bounce back and markets can grow again. 5G adoption will be central to this recovery in all sectors. But to use ‘true’ 5G, not only does the network need to be in place, but users will also have to upgrade to 5G handsets.

Recently, the telecoms industry has seen a heightened focus on sustainability practices. While the advancement to 5G brings with it positive outcomes, and more connectivity and advancements in societies we had never imagined previously, there are also concerns around the environmental impact of the technology—both from an energy consumption perspective, but also because of the deluge of 3G and 4G/LTE devices it will bring, which could contribute significantly to the growing e-waste dilemma.

We are excited to share with you our expanded trends report coverage. Our quarterly reports now include data on devices turned in through Upgrade programs as well as Trade-in programs. This is reflected in the Top 5 Devices Received and Average Age of Device metrics. Other metrics, such as average trade-in value and money in consumers hands are based solely on Trade-in. We hope you find our quarterly report even more valuable.

The environmental burden of the disposal of mobile devices cannot be ignored. When consumers discard mobile devices because they are no longer in use, not only is it damaging to the environment, but the material that went into making the devices are wasted. According to one report, less than 20% of e-waste is properly recycled, and 80% of it ends up in landfills or is informally recycled.

Every year the climate and environmental crisis becomes ever more severe and Earth Day takes on extra significance. The annual event brings together millions of people worldwide to support the environment and highlight the action needed to save our planet.

In honor of Earth Day, we want to showcase how we enable our customers in the mobile industry to maximize its sustainability efforts. By repurposing, redistributing, and recycling pre-owned devices, we are helping operators, OEMS, retailers, and insurance providers to contribute to a much more sustainable future.

What happens to your old mobile device when you’re ready for an upgrade? In the past, most consumers would toss old devices in a drawer or throw them in the trash.

A primary benefit of trade-in is to drive customer loyalty, attract new customers, and increase sales of new devices. A convenience many do not realize during these times is that trade-in doesn’t have to be in-store, especially if it is the least desirable option. Many consumers still don’t know that it’s possible to buy a new phone, get the trade-in promotion, and then send in their old phone themselves after the new one arrives.

Surveys show that nearly one-third of smartphone owners currently have a cracked screen (and that they drop their phones a minimum of four times a week).  Once it’s time to purchase a new device, many smartphone owners think their damaged, old phone is beyond repair.