So X pays Y for a service (shredding devices). Y takes the cash, doesn't complete the service and flogs the devices instead. Y hasn't bought the devices and doesn't own them.
> But many recyclers have figured out ways to erase the phones of all their data so that they can be resold.
> But many recyclers have figured out ways to erase the phones of all their data so that they can be resold.
Great, I trust that (sarc.)