It’s affordable, frequently subpar, and often ends up stuffed in a bottle or hidden among other miscellaneous items, takeout menus, and birthday candles in kitchen drawers.

Referred to as “First Technology,” these budget-friendly electronic gadgets are becoming more prevalent, ranging from mini fans and electric toothbrushes to portable chargers and LED toilet seats.

However, there is a significant issue lurking behind these low prices. Many of these gadgets are challenging to repair, lack recycling options, and are often discarded rapidly. E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, and experts indicate that rapid technology advancement plays an increasingly crucial role.

In the UK, over 11.4 billion of these small electronic devices (including steam gadgets) are purchased annually, with nearly half (589m) disposed of simultaneously.

“We’ve been consuming fast food. There was fast fashion. Now we’re in the era of fast technology,” states Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus. “We’re not technological moralists, but our concern lies with the volume of low-quality, cheap, and flimsy products flooding the market, which ultimately ends up in the trash or unused.”

Studies reveal that over a third of the British population views their purchases as disposable, primarily due to low prices, according to Butler. “[It] may be inexpensive, but it’s not disposable. In reality, anything that plugs in, runs on batteries, or has a cable is far from garbage. These items are rich in valuable metals and can be reused,” he adds.

Butler highlights “FAD” first technology as a key issue, often involving cheap items bought for specific occasions, like mini fans during the UK’s warmer months or festive Christmas jumpers. Last year, around 7.1 million mini fans were sold in the UK, with over 3.5 million being discarded or forgotten in drawers afterwards.

“We just experienced a heat wave, and I’m certain mini fan sales surged during that time. While it’s perfectly fine to try and cool down, we’re missing out on the potential for longer-lasting alternatives that can be beneficial beyond the summer,” he noted.

Environmental scientist and advocate Laura Young states that Fast Tech poses a new kind of environmental threat, not just due to the toxic chemicals some devices may contain but also because of their sheer volume and disposability.

“We’ve never encountered this level of disposable technology before,” she remarks. “Many people may not even realize that these small devices contain electronic components.

“Many users of steam products have asked, ‘Is there a battery in there?’

“All electronics, including toasters, kettles, washing machines, laptops, iPads, and mobile phones, all feature either wall power or rechargeable options. There is no such thing as disposable technology.

While it’s unlikely that the prevalence of fast technology in the market will soon wane, Butler emphasizes the need to shift our mindset. “Ultimately, these items are available because people purchase them. If there’s no demand, they obviously won’t be on the shelves.”

“Be a bit more thoughtful about what you choose to buy, how you utilize it, and what happens when you no longer need it. Don’t toss it just because it’s broken,” he advises. Use the online locator to find your nearest recycling center.

There’s also a drive for better repair, reuse, and borrowing options. Young points out community initiatives like repair cafes and tool libraries, where equipment can be borrowed instead of purchased anew.

“I joined the Tools Library and no longer purchase DIY tools.” Adapting to fast technology requires “a different mindset,” as she puts it, moving away from the notion of needing to own everything.