According to the Austrian Association of Waste Management Companies, every second Austrian owns an unused smartphone. MediaMarkt is aiming to tackle this issue through its trade-in service. Customers can now sell used devices either in-store or online. Devices are processed by Foxway, a specialist in circular IT solutions. Functional electronics are refurbished and reused, while irreparable items are professionally recycled. In 2024 MediaMarkt Austrian’s traded-in only 2,700 devices. Earlier this week, MediaMarkt Netherlands reported that nearly 60,000 devices were returned through the scheme. This highlights a clear opportunity for MediaMarkt Austria to boost its return volumes in the coming year.
Sell used electronics quickly and easily
The trade-in programme has been available since summer 2022 in all 56 Austrian MediaMarkt stores and online. Devices are assessed for their condition, which determines their trade-in value. If customers agree to the offer, they can hand over their devices in-store or send them directly to Foxway. In return, they receive a MediaMarkt voucher equal to the assessed value, which can be used for any new product.
Foxway focuses on circular economy
Foxway inspects, refurbishes, and resells smartphones, laptops, and tablets, reducing the need for new production. The reuse of electronic devices significantly cuts down on emissions and conserves raw materials. Devices that cannot be refurbished are dismantled for parts or disposed of responsibly.
Measurable environmental impact already visible
Foxway reports that the reuse of one Apple iPhone saves an average of 58 kg of CO2, a tablet 70 kg, and a laptop 252 kg. Of the 2,700 devices returned to MediaMarkt in early 2024, over 90 % were suitable for reuse. As a result, 155,000 kg of CO2 emissions were avoided. A first step but MediaMarkt Austria clearly needs to step up.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
