ecoATM closed 2025 with tangible progress in scaling automated device trade-in infrastructure across the United States, reinforcing kiosk-based collection as a core pillar of the secondary mobile ecosystem. Founded in 2009, the company has positioned itself as the largest independent recycler of smart devices and a manufacturer of automated recycling kiosks, with a long-term focus on lifecycle extension rather than short-term recovery volumes.
2025 collection volumes expand
During 2025, ecoATM collected 7.49 million devices, a figure that underscores the growing role of unattended trade-in points in normalising responsible device disposal. In parallel, 2,996,000 kilos of electronic waste were prevented from entering landfills, translating abstract sustainability targets into measurable operational outcomes for retail partners and municipal waste systems.
Retail footprint accelerates
The installation of the company’s 7,000th kiosk marked a structural milestone, reflecting sustained demand from retailers seeking low-friction sustainability solutions. Over 1,100 additional kiosks were deployed through existing retail relationships, demonstrating how scale can be achieved without heavy incremental complexity for host stores while maintaining consistent device intake standards.
Leadership and geographic expansion
Strategic momentum was reinforced through the appointment of Matt Furlong as CEO and the company’s expansion into Canada via a partnership with Walmart. This move extended ecoATM’s operational footprint beyond the United States while leveraging established retail infrastructure, reducing market entry risk and accelerating adoption in a new geography.
Long-term environmental impact
Since inception, ecoATM has diverted more than 23,509,361 kilos of e-waste from landfills and removed 2,476,606 tons of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. These cumulative figures position automated trade-in as an increasingly credible contributor to climate mitigation within the electronics value chain, particularly as device replacement cycles lengthen.
Financial incentives align behaviour
Across its operating history, ecoATM has collected 56 million devices and paid € 1.8 billion to consumers. This sustained payout highlights how direct financial incentives can be aligned with responsible recycling, supporting both refurbishment pipelines and material recovery while maintaining consumer participation at scale.
Circular economy relevance
By embedding trade-in kiosks into everyday retail environments, ecoATM reduces friction at the point of device retirement. This accessibility supports higher collection rates, improves grading consistency, and strengthens upstream supply for the refurbished smartphone market, where predictable intake remains a structural challenge.
Strategic outlook
Looking ahead, ecoATM is focused on expanding its kiosk network, deepening retail partnerships, and advancing toward its stated goal of collecting 100 million devices. As regulatory scrutiny and resource constraints intensify, scalable trade-in infrastructure is emerging as a strategic asset rather than an optional sustainability add-on.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
