Why We Can’t Stop Hoarding Gadgets

Do you keep a drawer or a box __________ with cables and power leads because, maybe — just maybe — you might need them one day?

Do you have several old mobile phones or computers that you haven’t switched on for quite some time? When you decide to get rid __________ them, who might be interested in unwanted gadgets?

Gadget resellers represent the quickest way of getting cash, but they still have to make a profit from the __________. Your second option is Amazon where your gadget will often be displayed on the same page as a brand new model, which generally keeps prices up.

Though there’s always a __________ for usable technology that can be sold locally or sent overseas, there is some technology even charities won’t take.

That sort of gear is often made of materials that may be both valuable and toxic. They can pollute the environment if not __________ of properly.

A recent survey suggested 68% of Americans have at least one gadget they haven’t used for years and only 9% of Australians __________ handsets, leaving 23 million unwanted mobile phones cluttering homes.

One of the most common reasons for people hanging on to their old gadgets is that they worry about the data. Making data on a computer hard drive impossible __________ is more difficult than on mobile.

Using the “wipe” program several times should be enough, but if you want to be sure, you can physically destroy the drives. There are some select items of technology that __________ the modern world, so before you destroy all your old technology, make certain it’s not valuable.

These gadgets are hugely __________ after by collectors and the difference between what they will pay you and what you can get on eBay can be dramatic.

Robert Shepherd was offered $3,000 for a Nokia 8110 which __________ famously in The Matrix, while on eBay the price of the same model was set at $65.