Step 1
Start by backing up the data from your device and any memory cards. Usually this means saving your photos, contacts and so on to the cloud or to a personal computer.
Why donate electrical goods?
You might not need your old phone or kettle – but someone else could use it.
4 good reasons to donate electricals
As you’re bagging up your old electricals, think about donating them.
1. We can stop resources going to waste
Thousands of tonnes of working electrical items end up in landfill, and the materials they contain are lost forever. But there is a real alternative.
2. Many unwanted electricals still work
Things like phones, laptops and cameras can be refurbished and put to good use via second-hand markets or charity shops. Could you donate yours?
3. It’s good for the planet, good for people
Donating is a win-win – reducing demand for raw materials, curbing CO2 emissions and giving low-income households access to affordable goods.
4. Someone, somewhere will thank you for it
Lots of charities would love your unwanted electricals – British Red Cross, Sue Ryder, Emmaus, British Heart Foundation, Marie Curie, FARA..
Did you know?
Reuse Network
Network of UK charities tackling poverty through reuse.
Community Calling
Smartphones to people who need them in Southwark, London.
CRNS
Scotland’s community reuse and recycling membership body.
Connect the Love
Devices to people in care homes, hospitals and vulnerable situations.
Freegle
Find a local home for your unwanted electricals.
WEEE Charity
Nationwide electrical goods collection for reuse or recycling.
London Rainbow
Devices via health and care services to people isolated by Covid-19.
Repair Cafes
Drop-ins where you repair your own gear.
The Restart Project
Getting people to share skills to fix their electricals in London.
Power to Connect
Smartphones to people who need them in Wandsworth, London.
Young Planet
Puts unused children’s things to good use.
Freecycle
Find a local home for your unwanted electricals.
Donating smart devices? Remember to delete your data.
Old laptops, mobile phones and other smart devices contain mountains of valuable data. So before recycling or passing them on, make them safe. The details vary for different devices – but the basic steps are simple.
Step 2
Next, wipe all personal data from your device, and reset to original settings. This is called a factory reset. The manufacturer’s website will tell you how to do this.
Step 3
Finally, remove any SIM and memory cards from the device. Now use our locator to find your nearest repair, reuse and recycling point. Check now.
Recycling locatorNeed more help on deleting data from your smart devices?
Check out our detailed guidance on how to do this. Remember it’s your responsibility to wipe data from your smart devices before passing them on or recycling them.
Did you know?
Your old tech could be a lifeline
Phones, laptops, kitchen appliances – someone else could put your unwanted electricals to good use.
So before you recycle, think about donating your old gear – you might be helping someone save a hefty £150.
Latest news
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Read moreWhere to take your electricals to donate or recycle them
If you’re a charity, or reuse or repair organisation and you’re not listed in our locator yet, please get in touch
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