Recycling electrical waste responsibly: Declutter for change

Decluttering electronics empowered my home, my habits and the planet

Nina Parham

November 4, 2024

What’s hiding in your drawers?

Did you know there’s an international day dedicated entirely to e-waste?

Recycling electrical waste responsibly is the focus of International E-Waste Day, held each year on 14 October and led by the WEEE Forum to raise awareness of the growing problem of electronic waste. As someone new to the recycling industry, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to learn more—and finally tackle the clutter hiding in my cupboards.

A box of household electronic waste

What exactly is e-waste?

E-waste (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) includes any item with a plug, cable or battery. Common examples include:

  • Old mobile phones
  • Chargers and USB cables
  • Game consoles
  • Printers
  • Card readers and small gadgets

According to the WEEE Forum, the most commonly forgotten items are small electricals—often left in drawers for years. Despite their size, they contain valuable materials like copper, iron and plastics, as well as hazardous substances that must be disposed of safely.

My mission: Declutter and recycle

Armed with new knowledge, I launched a full-scale e-waste hunt at home. Like many households, we had a “random drawer” overflowing with tangled cables and obsolete gadgets.

Sorting through it uncovered countless items we no longer needed, many of which could be recycled responsibly. Encouraged by the results, I enlisted my family to check their rooms too. Together, we uncovered old devices, broken electronics, and even forgotten toys.

Extending the offer: Community action

If my home was full of unused electronics, I suspected others’ homes were too. A quick message to friends and family offering to collect unwanted small electrical items was met with enthusiasm.

Within hours, I had a surprisingly large collection, proof that electrical waste builds up faster than we realise.

Recycle, donate and earn rewards

Next came sorting. Items still in working condition were set aside for donation to local charity shops.

While researching recycling options, I also discovered that some UK high street retailers offer discount vouchers for recycling old tech. One major electronics retailer, for example, offers £5 off a £25 spend when you recycle eligible electrical items, a handy bonus if you’re replacing something broken.

The remaining e-waste was booked in at my local Household Waste Recycling Centre, ensuring it would be recycled safely and responsibly.

Find out where you can recycle your electrical items near you.

A win-win solution for people and planet

Recycling electrical waste responsibly delivers multiple benefits:

  • Reduces pollution and landfill waste
  • Conserves valuable raw materials
  • Prevents hazardous substances entering the environment
  • Helps declutter your home

Electrical waste contains materials that can be reused in new products, supporting a more circular economy.

How you can get involved

Even if International E-Waste Day has passed, it’s never too late to take action. Start by checking:

  • Kitchen drawers
  • Cupboards
  • Garages
  • Old storage boxes

You might be surprised by how many unused electrical items you find. By recycling or donating them, you’ll be helping protect the environment, and enjoying a clutter-free home.

Find out more about your waste electrical items and how to reuse or recycle correctly!

Key takeaways: Why electrical waste recycling matters

  • Small electrical items often go forgotten but contain valuable materials
  • Recycling electrical waste responsibly prevents environmental harm
  • Donation and retailer schemes can offer added benefits
  • Decluttering your home can make a positive environmental impact

So, what will you find in your cupboards?

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Nina Parham, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Recycle More, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.