British Columbians have 50% more electronics today than in 2010

New research from BC Hydro finds British Columbians feel overwhelmed by the amount of electronics, and other items accumulated over the holidays.

A recent survey commissioned by BC Hydro finds almost three-quarters of British Columbians admit to feeling overwhelmed by the amount of electronics and other items they have accumulated post-holidays. This includes over 13 per cent that feel they have more electronics than they need.

The research also found that 22 per cent opted to give tech or electronic gifts during the holidays; over 50 per cent purchased electronics during Boxing Day sales; and 20 per cent purchased electronics on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Of those who purchased or are gifted the newer model of a device, such as the latest iPhone, 16 per cent will hold on to the older model as well.

BC Hydro data shows that British Columbians have 50 per cent more electronics today than in 2010. The electricity used by smaller electronics has increased by nearly 150 per cent – from 7 per cent to 17 per cent since the early 1990s.

The survey found the majority (77 per cent) of British Columbians are still holding on to ‘retro’ electronics — 33 per cent have a VCR; close to 50 per cent have a cassette or CD player; 13 per cent have a Discman or Walkman; nearly 30 per cent have an old gaming console, such as a SEGA or Nintendo; and 66 per cent have a DVD player.

BC Hydro recommends recycling old or unused electronics at one of over 250 Return-It Electronics recycling depots or collection sites in the province.