The quantity of unused mobile phones and smartphones kept in German households continues to decline, although it remains at a high level. Bitkom, the German IT industry association, reported on Wednesday that there are currently 167 million old devices stored away, down from 195 million in the previous year. At the end of 2022, the figure was even higher, at 210 million unused phones and smartphones; in 2021, it was approximately 206 million, and in 2020, around 199 million. Despite this reduction, 86 percent of Germans keep at least one unused phone or smartphone at home.
The primary reason cited for keeping old devices is the possibility of future use, as 48 percent of respondents indicated. Furthermore, 28 percent are concerned about personal data falling into the wrong hands, and 25 percent remain emotionally attached to the devices. Other reasons given include a lack of time for disposal or donation in daily life (19 percent), and eleven percent are unsure of where or how to responsibly dispose of old equipment.
Differences were observed across age groups: individuals under 30 are more likely than average to state an emotional attachment to their old devices (30 percent). Conversely, a relatively large proportion of those over 65 (16 percent) are unaware of proper disposal options.
This information is based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research, which surveyed 1,004 individuals in Germany aged 16 and over by phone during the ninth through twelfth calendar weeks of 2026.
