How to recycle electronics and electricals

Recycling electronics is easier than ever – we’ll show you how. And with over 22,100 electrical recycling and reuse points in the UK, you’ll find the right place for your old tech near you.

HypnoCat with bag of electricals saying 'Repeat after me: It feels goood to recycle' HypnoCat with bag of electricals saying 'Repeat after me: It feels goood to recycle'

What electrical items can be recycled?

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled, including:

As easy as ABC

How to recycle electronics and electricals

Once you’ve decided whether to recycle or pass them on, preparing your electricals is simple

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ASK

Does your old electrical contain batteries or bulbs? Remove these before recycling. It’s your responsibility to remove personal data from smart devices and computers, so remember to take out memory cards and delete your data.

illustration of bag to collect old electrcials for recycling

BAG IT

Find a bag that you can use to store all your old electricals until you can go to the recycling centre – or until collection day, if you have one.

Laptop with recycling locator icon

CHECK

Check our easy recycling locator to find your nearest repair, reuse or recycling point. Some councils collect directly from your home. Otherwise keep your electricals in your bag until you can visit a drop-off point.

Electrical recycling locator
Konnie Huq video image for youtube thumbnail

Declutter Your Home

With Konnie Huq & Nicola Lewis

Watch the video to discover Nicola’s top tips for sorting out your old electricals.


Where can you take your electrical item?

Working out how to recycle your electricals starts with knowing where to go. There are loads of places that you can take your unwanted electricals for repair, reuse or recycling.

man packaging stuff

Local collection points

From council recycling centres to libraries, a variety of local places will welcome your old electricals. Some councils even collect from your home.

A photo of a computer being repaired

Retailers and manufacturers

When you buy a new electrical item, check if the retailer or manufacturer will recycle your old electricals. More and more are offering this service.

How to recycle electricals: find you nearest reuse and recycling point with the online locator

Charities

Reuse centres and some charities accept electrical items in good condition that they can sell, or pass on. Find your nearest drop-off point.

Household electrical kitchen appliances

DID YOU KNOW?

Recycled steel is all around us

Toasters, kettles, cookers, games consoles, computers, cars …

All these items and more use steel. And the great news is that steel is 100% recyclable – it can be melted down and turned into new objects made of steel without losing any of the original metal. It can also be recycled over and over without weakening.