Vendy launches automated buyback stations for old phones at ICA
Stockholm, Sweden – 28 October 2025: Vendy, the startup that has developed automated buyback stations for old phones, is now expanding its network of AI-based buyback stations to 50 new stores in Sweden, taking a concrete step to make recycling old electronics easy, fast and profitable for Swedish consumers. The first kiosks have already been placed in ICA Maxi and ICA Kvantum stores around Sweden, and the long-term goal is to pay back over SEK 100 million per year to Swedish consumers.
Sell your old phone at ICA and get paid via Swish in 5 minutes
Today around 11 million old mobile phones lie gathering dust in Swedish homes. Only a third are recycled or resold. One of the biggest reasons is that until now there has been no simple, instant collection solution – something Vendy is now changing.
Instead of mailing your old phone to online players – a process that can take from one to several weeks – people in Sweden now, for the first time, have the chance to get paid in just a couple of minutes at their local store. The kiosk uses AI to value the phone by analysing everything from serial number, battery, screen, frame and back, and then offers a price on the spot. If you accept the price, payment is made immediately via Swish in two seconds. If you're not satisfied, you of course get the phone back.
Selling your old phone isn't just a way to make an environmental contribution – it's also an easy way to earn extra money in a time of high inflation and rising food prices. On average, Vendy has paid out around SEK 2,500 per phone, showing that old devices are often worth more than you think.
"It should be easy to do the right thing – we want to make phone recycling as obvious as returning bottles. The potential is enormous, both for the climate and for household finances. By being where people already go every week, we hope to change habits and make recycling phones an obvious choice," says Max Hasselblatt, CEO and co-founder of Vendy.
In addition to helping households earn money, Vendy contributes to a more circular electronics market, where more phones are reused instead of being left in drawers. This reduces the climate impact of new production and gives the industry better access to used devices.
Vendy plans continued rapid expansion of its kiosk network during 2025 and 2026. The company recently raised SEK 11 million in funding to accelerate the rollout and further develop the technology.
About Vendy
Vendy is building Europe's first automated collection network for used smartphones and is revolutionising how devices are recycled and reused. Through partnerships with leading retail chains, Vendy makes it easy, safe and fast for consumers to sell their old phones right in their local environment. The company was founded by former key people from Swappie and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Vendy combines cutting-edge automation with sustainability to drive the circular society of the future.
Press contact
info@vendykiosk.com