My 50D with 28-135 lens is only worth £30!

weybourne

weybourne

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Just came across the M&S 'Recycle Gadget' site, where they calculate a value that they will pay (in vouchers) for your gadget (for recycling). I'm not sure how they work it out but they quote £30 for my 50D with lens but nothing for a 350D with lens (the camera I used to have).

A Canon EOS 1D MK III gets £198. Nikons aren't valued that highly either - a Nikon D3 gets £129, the D300 gets £71 and the D90 £9.

The prices are obviously not down to scrap value and M&S say:

"M&S Recycling has a team of industry leading electronic resellers and recyclers. Their experience and knowledge is combined with our valuation tool to produce the price you see on screen for your old gadgets. Some gadgets will have no value but we are pleased to recycle them responsibly and safely for you.

There are great benefits to responsible recycling. If electronic products are not disposed of correctly they can end up in UK landfill sites where they can pollute our ecosystems and contribute to climate change. Many electronics contain toxic chemicals within their batteries which can harm our environment. In addition, modern devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers contain sensitive data which can get into the wrong hands.

"Most of the items purchased by M&S Recycling are reintroduced into emerging markets where equipment can effectively be given a second life. M&S Recycling works under partnering arrangements with electronic reuse and recycling specialist ShP Limited. Marks & Spencer is committed to the Plan A environmental policy which supports sustainability. ShP Limited has been chosen for its responsible recycling policy which helps reduce the impact of technology on our environment. "​

I think I'll look elsewhere if ever I want a second life for my stuff.
 
I'll bet they'll recycle them 'responsibly' and make a lot of money in the process. Who on earth would recycle a working piece of kit?
 
It is not technically recycling if the equipment is in full working order and more like buying and selling.
However, if your 50D was not working and the cost to fix was prohibitive then it would be good for recycling and the price may seem a bit fairer possibly?
 
Surely recycling simply implies the re-use of something that would have gone to waste/been disposed of otherwise? Does it's functional state matter?
 
According to the website, those prices are for excellent condition, are 'up to' prices and are subject to valuation and testing. In the small print, they say:

If a discrepancy comes up during the inspection process of your gadgets, we’ll email you with our new offer and the reason behind the changes. You will have a 72 hour period to accept the offer or ask that we return the item."​

In the T&Cs:

Gadget grading

Each gadget sold should match the make and model in the sale order and meet the following conditions where relevant to the product category:
Working:
the unit turns on and off;
the unit is fully functional and works as it should;
the screen (where relevant) is working and intact;
the product battery is included;
the unit is not crushed or water-damaged; or
the unit includes all necessary peripherals such as controllers and power leads.​
Working with faults:
badly damaged casing;
no battery or power lead;
battery cover missing or broken;
handset operating system missing or corrupt;
broken/missing aerials on mobile phones;
faulty or missing keypads;
SIM Gate broken or missing; or
memory card holder broken or missing and PIN locked.
Note: cracks around docking/charging ports and side switches will result in iPhones being graded as working with faults;​
Recycle only:
physically broken or beyond economical repair;
broken/cracked/snapped hinges;
water-damaged;
the unit does not power up;
LCD cracked/bleeding/does not work or missing;
unresponsive touch screens;
SIM or memory card glued in;
broken battery terminals;
re-programmed IMEI number; or
barred lost or stolen items logged in CheckMEND.​
 
They seem to agree with my interpretation of recycling but they are still offering obscenely low prices. Would hope not many people would be stupid enough to use their 'services'
 
They are running a business so to be expected. Up to the customer whether they use it or not.
I once checked prices on CDs via a website that is advertised on TV and the price offered was around 10p each. The same CDs sell used on eBay for £5.
 
sounds like that 'we buy any car' place.

Easy money for the business, I bet a fair few people opt for the hassle free sale even if they get much less cash (or vouchers in this case)
 
At a £110 offer for an excellent 5D MkII someone must be making a mint. I agree in principle that we should recycle, but those terms aren't just bad, they're bloody feudal. Is there any surprize they are struggling on the high street if they have the same 'brains' that came up with this scam.
 
It is still not reccyling to me. Recycling to me is making use of things that would have been thrown away and reusing them.
You wouldn't throw away a fully working 5D MKII, you would sell it. They are simply buying and selling and calling it recycling because it sound more "right on".
 
I bet the folks doing the recycling keep the best stuff back for themselves.
 
Anyone who takes what they offer, deserves the pittance that they will get imho. :shrug:


I doubt the Cash Converter type shops would offer as little, :shake: though I don't think that they would offer much more. :( It's a business, and no one is forcing people to sell after all. :shrug:
 
All These Phones and Electronics will end up in the Markets of Kenya and other African countries soon after being sent in, there is a massive profit in this somewhere and it certainly is not with the UK Seller, or the final buyer on the streets of Nairobi
 
This seems to becomes an increasing trend.
O2 are offering recycling on their mobiles. Not too bad.
 
christurbo said:
This seems to becomes an increasing trend.
O2 are offering recycling on their mobiles. Not too bad.
Click to expand...
They're obliged to do that (though not with payment) under The Waste Electrical and Electronic Regulations

[url]http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32100.aspx[/url] said:
Retailers' responsibilities

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Regulations (WEEE Regulations) affect retailers and other distributors who sell electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

If they're selling EEE to the public, retailers will have to ensure that their customers can return their WEEE free of charge.

This will be on a one-for-one basis, as long as the new equipment is of a similar type and has the same function as the old equipment.
Click to expand...
 
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