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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Mabel Banfield-Nwachi

‘It’s cheap but it’s not disposable’: why fast tech is a growing waste problem

Scott Butler Laura Young Material Focus
A racegoer using a handheld fan in front of a large flag of the UK at Ascot
About 7.1m mini-fans were bought in the last year and more than 3.5m have been discarded or forgotten in that same period. Photograph: James Manning/PA

It is cheap, often poorly made, and usually ends up in the bin or buried among the other knick-knacks, takeaway menus and birthday candles in the kitchen drawer.

Known as “fast-tech”, these low-cost electronics are increasingly common – from mini-fans and electric toothbrushes, to portable chargers and LED toilet seats, often bought for just a few pounds online.

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