How to buy electronics more ethically and sustainably

Electronics are unusual in that most of their environmental impact happens before you ever switch them on. Manufacturing a device — particularly the screen, battery and circuit board — accounts for the majority of its lifetime carbon footprint. That changes the calculus: the longer a device lasts, the more that upfront cost is spread across years of real use.

Understanding the impacts

It helps to understand what you're actually dealing with before making purchasing decisions. Electronics have several distinct types of impact:

• Manufacturing footprint. Producing semiconductors, displays and batteries is energy-intensive. For a modern smartphone, manufacturing represents the majority of its total lifecycle carbon footprint — meaning that using it for an extra year or two can reduce your impact more than any other single choice.
• Mining for materials. Electronic devices require a range of minerals including cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements, and precious metals. Mining these is associated with significant environmental damage and, in some regions, serious labour rights concerns. Buying less frequently is the most direct lever individuals have on this.
• E-waste. Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally and contains both valuable recoverable materials and hazardous substances. When devices are not recycled properly, those hazardous substances can leach into soil and water. See our guide to e-waste recycling for how to handle end of life responsibly.
• Use-phase energy. For most consumer devices, day-to-day energy use is a smaller share of total impact than manufacturing — but for always-on devices like routers, desktop computers, and servers it adds up meaningfully over time.

The golden rule: keep devices longer

Most devices are replaced well before they stop working. The stated reasons are often that they are "slow" or that a newer model has a feature that seems appealing. In most cases, a combination of software maintenance, a small repair, and managing storage can extend the useful life of a device by years.

• Battery replacement is often all it takes. A slowing phone or laptop is often battery-limited rather than processor-limited. Replacing the battery — either through the manufacturer, an authorised repairer, or an independent repair shop — frequently restores near-original performance at a fraction of replacement cost.
• Manage storage. Devices slow noticeably when storage is near full. Clearing unused apps, offloading photos to a separate drive or cloud service, and keeping a buffer of free space costs nothing and can make a significant difference.
• Keep software updated. Security patches and operating system updates often include performance improvements as well as security fixes. Keeping devices updated means they continue to function safely and efficiently.
• Invest in protection from day one. A case and screen protector cost very little but prevent the physical damage — cracked screens, bent chassis — that either renders a device unusable or creates a plausible excuse to replace it.

Our repair guide covers how to find good repair options for electronics, including screen replacements, battery swaps, and charging port repairs.

Buy refurbished or secondhand

When you genuinely need a new device, buying refurbished is almost always preferable to buying brand new. A refurbished device has been returned, tested, repaired where necessary, and graded for condition — it avoids the full manufacturing impact of a new device while typically offering significant cost savings.

• What to look for in a refurbished seller. Reputable refurbishers grade devices (typically A, B, C grades or equivalent), state battery health or replacement status, provide a minimum twelve-month warranty, and make their returns policy clear. Large, established refurbishers with volume operations are generally more reliable than individual resellers.
• Battery health is the key variable. Battery degradation is the most common reason refurbished devices underperform. Look for sellers who explicitly state battery capacity (ideally above 80% of original) or who replace batteries as standard. Some manufacturers now offer certified refurbished programmes with battery replacement included.
• Check software support life. A refurbished device with two years of remaining software support is a reasonable buy; one that is already at or past end of support is a security risk and will not receive updates. Check the manufacturer's published support timeline for the specific model before buying.
• Manufacturer-certified refurbished programmes offer the closest thing to a new device guarantee on a used device — they typically include full reset, replacement of failing parts, and a meaningful warranty. Third-party refurbishers can be equally good, but warrant more research.

For general secondhand buying guidance, see our buy secondhand guide.

Choose repairable, durable, upgradeable devices

Not all devices are equally repairable, and this genuinely matters for how long they last. Repairability scores have become a useful tool for comparing devices before purchase.

• Repairability scores. Several independent organisations rate devices on how easy they are to open, repair and source parts for. A higher score generally means that a cracked screen, dead battery or failed component can be fixed affordably rather than forcing replacement. In some countries, manufacturers are required by law to provide repairability scores.
• Replaceable or serviceable batteries. Some devices are designed so that a battery can be replaced without specialised tools or voiding a warranty; others are glued shut and require professional service. Where a replaceable battery is an option, it is always the more sustainable design.
• Parts availability. Some manufacturers actively support independent repairers with genuine parts and repair documentation; others restrict access. Research whether parts and service manuals for a device are available before you buy.
• Software support duration. A device that receives security and OS updates for five or more years from release is genuinely preferable to one that is abandoned after two. Manufacturers vary significantly on this commitment, and it is publicly available information.
• Modularity and upgradeability. Some laptops allow RAM and storage to be upgraded, extending their useful life as software demands increase. Soldered and non-upgradeable components shorten practical lifespan.

Right-size your purchase

Do you actually need the newest model, the largest screen, the highest specification? For most uses — email, web browsing, streaming, word processing, video calls — a device from two or three years ago with a mid-range specification performs identically to the current flagship. Paying for performance you don't use means paying for manufacturing impact you don't need.

• Be honest about your actual use patterns before choosing a specification level.
• A laptop that does what you need reliably for five years is a better outcome than a premium one that you replace after three because the software has outpaced it.
• For phones, camera upgrades between annual generations are often marginal for most photography needs. The previous model, bought refurbished, usually has a camera that is more than adequate.
• Consider whether you actually need a separate device at all. A phone, a tablet and a laptop overlap in function for many use cases — fewer devices mean fewer manufacturing cycles.

Care to extend lifespan

The same principle that applies to clothing and furniture applies to electronics: looked-after devices last longer. A few consistent habits make a meaningful difference.

• Use a protective case and screen protector on phones and tablets from day one.
• For lithium batteries, avoid habitually charging to 100% and discharging to near zero — a charge range of roughly 20–80% puts less stress on the cells over time. Most modern devices have settings to limit charging to 80%.
• Keep devices clean and clear of dust, particularly intake vents on laptops — overheating shortens component life.
• Keep storage reasonably clear and close apps you are not using to reduce load on processors.
• Apply software updates promptly — they include security patches and often improve efficiency.
• Address physical damage early. A hairline crack in a screen can be repaired inexpensively; left untreated, it may spread and eventually damage the display beneath.
• Store devices at room temperature — heat and cold both degrade batteries faster than normal use.

Responsible recycling and data wiping

When a device reaches the end of its life with you — whether through wear, upgrade, or donation — two things matter: protecting your personal data and ensuring the device is handled responsibly.

Wipe your data first, always. Before passing on or recycling any device, perform a factory reset and follow the manufacturer's instructions for signing out of accounts (Apple ID, Google account, Microsoft account). A factory reset alone may not be sufficient on all devices — check the manufacturer's guidance for a complete wipe that removes account links and personal data irrecoverably.

Then work through the options in order:

• Sell or give to someone who will use it. A device still in working order has value to someone. Online platforms, local selling groups, and community schemes all provide routes.
• Donate. Schools, community centres, charities working with people who lack digital access, and overseas development organisations sometimes accept working devices in reasonable condition.
• Manufacturer or retailer takeback. Many manufacturers and electronics retailers offer trade-in or takeback schemes. Reputable schemes ensure devices are either refurbished for reuse or properly recycled.
• Certified e-waste recycling. Local authority recycling centres in most countries accept electronics. Certified e-waste recyclers separate materials including valuable metals and handle hazardous components safely. See our e-waste recycling guide for how to find reputable options near you.

Never put electronics in general waste bins or kerbside recycling. The hazardous materials in batteries and circuit boards require specialist handling, and the valuable materials in electronics are recoverable — but only through proper recycling streams.

For guidance on avoiding brands that make misleading claims about their environmental commitments, see our guide to greenwashing.