Argos has announced that it is teaming up with recycling experts WRAP to introduce a new product recycling scheme that will allow customers to get a quote or exchange their unwanted mobile or tablet devices to get money off in stores.

The service will be available in all 788 of Argos’ UK stores from today.

The launch looks to benefit from the fact that UK householders are estimated to have around £1 billion worth of electrical and electronic equipment in their homes which is no longer used. A recent WRAP survey found that two-thirds of those surveyed would be willing to trade in their tech products with reputable retailers.

To use the service, customers can walk into any Argos store, drop off unwanted tech items (which is initially limited to mobile phones and tablets), and receive an instant quote. If they then choose to trade it in, they will receive an Argos gift card, with the exchanged items refurbished in the UK and re-sold.

“As a leading technology retailer we know that our customers are looking for solutions to responsibly dispose of unwanted gadgets when they replace or trade-up devices,” said Amy Whidburn, Argos’ head of corporate responsibility.

“Our new scheme in conjunction with WRAP offers them a safe way to do this, in a really convenient location on their local high street or retail park, with the added benefit of receiving a gift card in return immediately.”

TechWeekEurope