Four in ten respondents (39%) said they have two or three such devices – often smartphones, tablets or laptops. 19% have four to five devices, 15% have one, and 9% keep more than six. The fewest unused devices were found among people aged 18 to 29.
“Although the European Union has clear goals for collecting, recycling and reusing electronic waste, our data shows that people in Latvia often don’t think about giving their old smart devices a second life – or simply don’t know how. Instead, these devices end up forgotten in drawers, even though many of them are still in good working condition,” says Dainis Skrinda, Inbank Latvia Country Manager.
Only 14% of respondents said they currently don’t have any unused devices at home. This was most common among people aged 60 to 74.
Emotional attachment and data concerns get in the way
When asked why they haven’t passed on their unused devices, the most common reason people gave was emotional attachment or the hope that the device might still come in handy someday (30%). Another 23% said they simply haven’t had the time to deal with it. Men, in particular, were more likely to mention concerns about personal data security.
“In today’s world, smart devices have become part of who we are – especially our smartphones, which hold memories, messages and moments. Even when everything’s backed up, parting with an old device can still feel difficult,” says psychiatrist and psychotherapist Tija Vanaga. “There’s also a practical side. Many Latvians like to be prepared for anything, and having a backup device – even if it’s rarely needed – gives peace of mind.”
Lack of information is still a major obstacle
One in four people (25%) said they simply don’t know where to take their old devices for recycling or reuse.
“It’s important to remember that electronic devices often contain harmful substances like lead, mercury or cadmium. If stored or thrown away incorrectly, they can cause serious harm to the environment and our health,” says Jānis Aizbalts, Chairman of the Board at Eco Baltia vide. “We encourage people not to keep old tech at home but instead use one of the more than 70 collection points across Latvia. You can also drop off devices for free at Eco Baltia vide and Latvijas Zaļais punkts locations near AKROPOLE Alfa and Business Garden Rīga. Small devices can even be returned at most major supermarkets. The donated equipment is either repaired at the Lab! workshop or recycled – giving it a second life.”
Rent supports a more sustainable future
For over a year now, Inbank has been offering a smart device rent service in cooperation with its partners – covering smartphones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches. This service allows customers to rent a device for a preferred period by paying a fixed monthly fee, instead of buying it outright.
“Rent is a great way to access the latest tech while also making a more environmentally responsible choice. If more people chose to rent instead of buy, and returned their devices after the rental period ends, many more devices could be reused instead of sitting unused at home,” says Dainis Skrinda, Country Manager at Inbank Latvia.
“In addition, rent is usually more affordable than buying – customers only pay for the time they actually use the device. Once returned, the device can be refurbished and given a second life, rather than ending up in a drawer after just one user. Smart devices like phones, tablets and laptops hold significant value in the circular economy, as they contain various materials and critical raw resources that can be recovered and reused through efficient waste management.”
*The survey was conducted by Norstat in January 2025, interviewing 1001 Latvian residents aged 18 to 74.
