Recycling household appliances
Anything around the home with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled when you no longer need it.
Which household appliances can be recycled?
Recycling and disposal of household appliances
Looking to recycle a fridge or microwave? There are a few ways to get rid of unwanted household appliances – whether they are in working order or not.
Donate, repair or sell
If your fridge, washing machine or other electrical appliance is still usable, some charity shops or furniture re-use companies will accept donations of your white goods. Many even offer collection services.
If the item has stopped working, consider getting a quote for repair. A quick fix may be all it needs to give it a new lease of life and could be cheaper than buying a replacement.
Alternatively, given that the item is still in working order, you could try to sell it on the internet.
How to dispose of bulky household appliances
If the item has stopped working, consider getting a quote for repair. A quick fix may be all it needs to give it a new lease of life and could be cheaper than buying a replacement.
If repair isn’t economical, some retailers provide a disposal service for large household items like washing machines, fridge freezers and dishwashers when you buy a replacement appliance. These sellers can take your old item away when delivering your new one. They might charge a fee for this service.
Find your nearest reuse and recycling point
The easiest way to find your local recycling points is to check our recycling locator. Some local councils offer a recycling collection service from your door. Or for a small fee, you can arrange a bulky waste collection to take away large electricals. All local councils have one or more household waste recycling centres where you can drop off your old electricals for recycling.
Recycling locator
Recycle everything else
Can’t sell, repair or donate it? You can recycle anything with a plug, battery or cable – find your nearest drop-off point using our locator.
DID YOU KNOW?
Steel Reimagined: From Appliances to Bicycles
Over 75% of the materials in our old electricals can be reused. Recycling household appliances like washing machines, which contain highly recyclable steel, makes good sense. Steel can be melted down and turned into one of the UK’s most popular modes of transport – the bicycle.
Frequently asked questions about household appliances
Do electrical retailers take my old household appliance away when I buy a new one?
Some electrical retailers will offer convenient removal services when you buy a replacement product, and recycle your old stuff for you. Others may allow you to drop them off in store for free for recycling. Search their website FAQs or ask customer services for more information on the company’s removal and recycling schemes when you place your order.
How do I know if my electrical appliance can be recycled?
Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled. Look at your electrical item and you’ll see a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol. This appears on all electrical and electronic products to remind us not to throw them away.
Can I throw electrical appliances in the bin?
Electrical household appliances should not be disposed of with your general household waste. These electricals can contain hazardous substances which can damage the environment, wildlife and our own health.
The easiest way to find your local recycling points is to check our recycling locator. Some local councils offer a recycling collection service from your door. Or for a small fee, you can arrange a bulky waste collection to take away large electricals. All local councils have one or more household waste recycling centres where you can drop off your old electricals for recycling.
My appliance is broken. Where can I get it fixed?
Repairing electrical appliances keeps valuable metals out of the waste stream for longer. Start by contacting the product manufacturer, or an authorised repairer for that make of electrical. Some areas also have repair cafes where you can either get the item repaired or learn how to fix it yourself. We have over 250 repair locations listed on our locator. Visit the recycling locator to find your local drop-off point.
If the appliance is really out of date or seriously damaged, repair may be uneconomical or impossible. But don’t throw it away. Please take it to your nearest recycling point – use our recycling locator.
