Hidden treasure in our homes
As new research exposes the jaw-dropping volume and value of old electricals hiding in our homes, award-winning photographer Gregg Segal meets the people who aren’t taking the waste challenge lying down.
What do you mean ‘hidden treasure’?
Small old electricals squirrelled away in our homes are worth millions of pounds – and they can be recycled and made into new products. This stuff can save lives and money.
We’re binning or hoarding millions of old electricals
New research finds 527 million unwanted electricals in our homes and that we throw away 155,000 tonnes a year, costing the UK economy £370 million.
We’re sitting on a gold mine in our own homes
Electricals contain precious materials like gold, copper and aluminium that can be recycled – with a re-sale value of £620 per household.
Recycling means new gear for old, and a healthier environment
Recycling our old electricals would be worth billions, help the planet and provide materials for life-saving defibrillators, bicycles and more.
While millions of us are recycling, there’s still vast potential
Even as we declutter, electricals tend to get left behind. The great news is that it’s easier than ever to recycle your unwanted electricals.
Hidden treasure seekers
“We don’t have to be surrounded by this stuff.
We can pass on these old electricals to others or recycle them.”
Gregg Segal, photographer
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Did you know?
Your stories
“It’s close to my heart”
Downsy found life-saving treasure under the stairs
“Some of the research is incredible,” says DJ Downsy. And it’s not just the colossal amount of unwanted electricals hoarded in UK homes – including his own.
As a Type 2 diabetic with heart disease in the family, Ian’s passion for recycling hit new highs when he learned that old electricals can be turned into life-saving defibrillators.
Meet the people getting to grips with their hidden treasure
It’s a movement about to sweep the nation.
Eye-opener
“I confess I have my own stash of derelict electricals”
The award-winning photographer who captured the treasure hidden in our homes.
“It was a privilege to meet these people and capture their images, but it was also such an eye-opener to discover the scale of the problem. My hope is that by sharing these photos, people will consider what they do next with their small old electricals – I know I will.”
Your stories
More of you discovering the hidden treasure in your homes
“I stick old electricals in a bag, stuff them in the loft, then take them to the recycling centre,” says Fundraising Consultant Fiona Hoggard.
Together we can fix the problem of electrical waste.
Now find out where to give your hidden treasure a new lease of life
Enter your postcode to discover your nearest electrical recycling point.
