Nearly 1.5 million rooms in UK households are unused as they are full of clutter

Almost 1.5 million rooms in UK homes are currently lost to clutter – filled with items no longer needed or used. A poll of 2,000 homeowners found 10 percent have a room they can’t use, because it’s full to the brim with junk.

Four in ten actively avoid decluttering their homes, with 32 percent of those who do this admitting they “don’t know where to start” when it comes to moving on items they no longer need.

And 49 percent don’t know where to take such belongings for recycling.

Superfluous tech like mobile phones (49 percent), cables (48 percent), and games consoles (33 percent), are among the junk taking up space in UK households.

The study was commissioned by Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub, which have launched the 2023 “Time After Time” fund – which is awarding a share of £500,000 to projects tackling e-waste and supporting digital inclusion in the UK.

The research found 46 percent habitually hold onto broken or defunct belongings – items they couldn’t use even if they wanted to.

And of those who do so, 38 percent typically hold onto unused items like electricals for up to a year.

Dana Haidan, chief sustainability officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “It’s so easy to accrue items – before you know it you have drawers full of random cables, old phones, and all manner of belongings.

“It’s no wonder people can feel unsure of how to get rid of their old tech, as they’re worried that if it’s thrown away, it’ll end up in landfill as e-waste, harming the environment.

“That’s why we’re launching 2023’s Time After Time fund, to help community groups and charities to run projects that both cut e-waste and rehome unwanted devices with people in need – which is a win-win for communities and the planet.”

Almost a quarter (23 percent) of all those polled have put unused or broken devices in the bin, with 57 percent who have done so claiming this is the most convenient way to get rid of such items.

And 23 percent think this is how you are supposed to dispose of old tech.

However, on the flipside, 32 percent of all those polled are worried about their tech ending up in landfill – with 26 percent concerned their unwanted devices could harm nature and the planet if discarded.

This might explain why 53 percent revealed they’d be more likely to dispose of e-waste “properly” if there were convenient and accessible recycling options available.

And 62 percent say they would be more likely to donate unwanted gadgets to someone in need – rather than throw them away.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found that 82 percent believe their community would be a better place to live if there were projects which prevented e-waste or fly-tipping in their area.

George Clarke, who is on the judging panel for the 2023 Time After Time fund, which is accepting applications until Friday, 20th October, said: “Sustainability and community are two causes that I’m incredibly passionate about, which is why it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of this year’s judging panel.

“It’s a fantastic initiative both tackling the nation’s growing e-waste problem, and helping those in need.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the brilliant and inspiring ideas the applicants come up with.”