More than 90 million electrical devices have been thrown in the bin over the past five years, according to research.
Network provider Virgin Media O2 found that eight in 10 people had discarded items such as phones, tablets and consoles along with general rubbish.
The firm estimated that the average British household had lost out on about £370 since 2020 from not trading in their old devices.
Its research also showed that three in four people had held on to unwanted tech items for at least five years.
O2 Recycle offers cash for old smartphones, tablets, wearables, earbuds, MacBooks and consoles used on any network.
Nicola Green, chief corporate affairs officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Most homes have a drawer of doom that’s crammed with dozens of unused devices gathering dust, that could otherwise earn Brits cash or be reused by someone else.
“That’s why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in tackling e-waste and helping people pass on their unwanted tech to help protect the planet.
“This includes O2 Recycle where Brits can make money for their old electronics, Community Calling where they can donate a smartphone to someone in need or taking a small device to an O2 store where it’ll be sent off for recycling.”
