In 2024, nearly 95% of Belgian households had an internet connection. This means almost every family owns at least one smartphone, tablet, or computer to access online services. With such widespread connectivity, the question arises: how do Belgians decide on new devices, and what happens when these devices reach the end of their lifespan?
Price and design dominate choices
Price is the leading factor for Belgian consumers when buying a new device, as is likely the case globally. Two out of three buyers, 66.4%, consider price their top priority. Design and brand come next at 59.4%, while technical performance, such as processing power, influences only 38.5% of consumers.
Sustainability and ecological concerns play a much smaller role in Belgium than in other European markets. Only 3.7% value repair guarantees compared to 6.9% across the EU. Likewise, just 4.9% prioritize long lifespan against a European average of 9.5%. Energy efficiency and eco-design show the same trend, with Belgium scoring consistently lower than its neighbours.
Belgians store old devices
When devices are no longer in use, Belgians rarely sell them. Instead, many choose to keep them in drawers. Smartphones lead this trend, with 52.6% of Belgian consumers storing them, compared to 51.2% in the EU. Laptops and tablets are stored by 37.3%, while 18.5% keep desktop computers.
Recycling rates are relatively strong
Belgium performs better than the EU average in recycling devices. The country ranks second in several categories, with 16.4% of desktop computers, 14.1% of laptops and tablets, and 12.8% of smartphones recycled. This places Belgians among Europe’s strongest recyclers, although the tendency to keep unused devices remains a clear issue.
Resale or trade-in remains the weakest link
The weakest point for Belgium is resale. Belgians sell significantly fewer devices than their European peers. Only 12.4% of mobile phones are resold, compared to 24% in the Netherlands. For desktop computers, the figure is 6%, while laptops and tablets reach just 8.2%. By contrast, Germany reports a resale rate of 14.1% for laptops and tablets.
Industry experts highlight that resale is a crucial part of extending product lifecycles. According to Lien Meurisse, spokesperson for the Federal Public Service Economy, resale not only prolongs device lifespans but also reduces the need for new raw materials. Old Apple iPhones and other smartphones can be returned via telecom providers or through specialised companies that refurbish devices for resale.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
