Recycle Your Electrical Waste
Recycle electrical waste safely
Find your nearest recycling pointPowering a greener future: Electrical waste and recycling
Did you know that in the UK, we throw away over 1.5 million tonnes of electrical waste every year? That’s the weight of around 300,000 double-decker buses!
From washing machines to smartphones, and even cables, electrical items are everywhere in our homes. But when they’re no longer working or wanted, they become electrical waste and if not recycled properly, they can harm the environment.
Luckily, recycling electrical waste is easy and helps save valuable materials.
Where to recycle batteries near me…
What is electrical waste?
Electrical waste, or e-waste, means any electrical or electronic items that you no longer use or want. This includes:
- Large appliances like fridges, washing machines, and microwaves
- Small devices like toasters, kettles, and hair dryers
- Phones, laptops, tablets, chargers, and cables
- Light bulbs and lamps
When these items are thrown away, they become e-waste and need special care to avoid harm to people and the planet.
Why does electrical waste matter?
E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and harmful plastics. If not recycled properly, these can leak into soil and water, damaging wildlife and our environment.
Also, electrical items have valuable metals like gold, copper, and aluminium. Throwing devices away wastes these precious resources and means more mining, which harms nature.
Recycling and reusing help save resources and reduce pollution.
How is electrical waste recycled?
Collection: You can take your old devices to local recycling points, stores, or councils
Sorting: At recycling centres, e-waste is separated by type and condition
Reuse: Some items are fixed and sold again
Material recovery: Devices are taken apart safely, and metals, plastics, and glass are recovered to make new products
Safe disposal: Hazardous parts are treated carefully to avoid pollution
How you can help
Use devices longer: Try repairing or donating instead of throwing away
Recycle properly: Don’t put e-waste in your bin — use recycling points or special collections
Separate batteries and cables: These often need special recycling
Choose sustainable products: Look for repairable, durable electronics when buying new
Why is recycling electrical waste important
- Protects the environment from harmful chemicals
- Saves valuable materials for new products
- Reduces waste and helps fight climate change
- Supports a circular economy — less throwing away, more reusing
Don’t throw electronics in the bin!
Check your local council website for recycling points or what electrical waste they will collect from your home
Check out what the electrical retailer take-back scheme is
Use dedicated recycling schemes like Recycle Your Electricals, Showing where and how to donate, repair, sell or recycle!