Black Friday 2026: How to Shop Smarter and Reduce E-Waste
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, with retailers offering discounts on everything from smartphones and laptops to tablets and gaming consoles.
For many of us, it’s the perfect opportunity to get our hands on that bit of tech we’ve had our eye on, without paying full price. But with so many offers flying about, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy something we don’t actually need.
And while we’re all looking for the best Black Friday tech deals, there’s another thing worth thinking about: what happens to our old devices when we upgrade?
With electronic waste becoming an increasingly serious environmental issue, making more conscious decisions about the technology we buy has never been more important.
Luckily, enjoying Black Friday doesn’t have to mean creating unnecessary waste. Here’s how to make the most of the sales, save yourself some money and give your old tech a new lease of life.
When Do Black Friday Deals Start in 2026?
Wondering when do Black Friday deals start? This year, Black Friday falls on Friday 27th November 2026, with Cyber Monday following on Monday 30th November.
However, Black Friday isn’t just a single day of discounts anymore.
Plenty of UK retailers kick off their offers much earlier in November, with some running promotions throughout the month.
That means there’s no need to rush into the first deal you see. You’ve got time to do a bit of research, compare prices and work out whether you’re actually getting a bargain.
If you’re planning on upgrading your phone, laptop or another device, it’s worth keeping an eye on prices in the weeks leading up to the sales.
When Do Black Friday Deals End?
Although Black Friday officially takes place on 27th November, most major retailers continue their offers across the weekend, with many ending on Cyber Monday.
Some shops even extend their discounts into December, so the exact finishing date will depend on where you’re shopping.
Don’t Fall for the Discount Label!
Just because something has a big red discount label doesn’t automatically mean it’s the cheapest price you’ll find.
Checking price comparison websites and looking at previous prices can help you work out whether a deal is genuinely worth snapping up.
Should I Buy Tech on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
If you’re wondering should I buy tech on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the answer really depends on what you’re looking for.
Traditionally, Black Friday focused on in-store discounts, while Cyber Monday was all about online shopping.
Black Friday
Traditionally known for big in-store discounts, with plenty of online tech offers available too.
Cyber Monday
Originally focused on online shopping, now featuring many of the same types of tech deals.
These days, there’s very little difference. Most major retailers offer deals both online and in-store across the entire weekend.
Whether you’re after a new iPhone, a MacBook or a gaming console, both days can offer decent savings.
Our advice? If you’ve found a genuinely good price on something you were already planning to buy, there’s no guarantee it’ll be any cheaper on Cyber Monday.
Don’t Forget Older Models!
Last year’s smartphone could still have all the features you need, but at a much more affordable price.
The Hidden Environmental Cost of Black Friday
While Black Friday can be good news for your bank balance, the increase in shopping can come at a cost to the environment.
Every year, millions of electrical devices are replaced, often while they’re still in perfectly good working condition.
Whether it’s a phone that’s been upgraded, a laptop that’s no longer needed or a games console that’s been replaced by a newer model, unwanted technology can quickly pile up.
When these devices aren’t reused or recycled properly, they contribute to a growing problem known as electronic waste, or e-waste.
Black Friday Waste Statistics: What’s the Impact?
According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024, the world generated approximately 62 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022.
Even more worryingly, only 22.3% was documented as being formally collected and recycled.
Although these aren’t Black Friday-specific waste statistics, they highlight just how much unwanted technology is being produced around the world.
And with major shopping events encouraging people to replace devices more frequently, it’s important to think about what happens to our old tech.
The good news is that making a few small changes to how we shop can help make a difference.
How to Shop More Sustainably This Black Friday
You don’t need to avoid the Black Friday sales altogether to be more environmentally conscious.
In fact, there are several ways to bag yourself a bargain without contributing to unnecessary waste.
Your Old Tech Could Help Pay for Your New Tech.
Check how much cash you could get for your unwanted devices with Mazuma.
Make Your Old Tech Part of Your Black Friday Budget
Black Friday is a great opportunity to pick up something you’ve been saving for, but getting a good deal shouldn’t mean forgetting about the technology you already own.
By shopping a little more thoughtfully, considering refurbished devices and trading in your old tech, you can enjoy the sales without creating unnecessary e-waste.
And if you’ve got an old phone, tablet, MacBook, Apple Watch or console lying around, it could be worth more than you think.
At Mazuma, we make selling your unwanted tech quick and straightforward, with competitive prices, free tracked postage and fast payments.
So, before you start filling your basket this Black Friday, why not see how much your old devices could be worth?
Make Your Black Friday Budget Go Further.
Turn your unwanted phones, tablets, MacBooks, Apple Watches and consoles into cash towards your next upgrade.
✓ Free tracked postage
✓ Fast payments
✓ Competitive prices