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.
Recycling IT equipment and smart devices
The smart thing to do with your old laptop, phone or other devices is fix them, pass them on or recycle them.
Mobile phones
Laptops and PCs
Tablets
Cables
Phones and telecomms
Smart watches
Printers and scanners
Smart speakers
IT accessories
How to delete your data
Old laptops, mobile phones and other smart devices contain mountains of valuable data. 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 smart devices?
Remember, it’s your responsibility to wipe data from your smart devices before passing them on or recycling them. Check out our FAQ on how to delete your data or hit the button below to download our handy guide.
Did you know?
Waterproof phones
An astonishing 100,000 phones are dropped down the toilet every year in Britain. Lucky then that we’re following Japan’s model, where 90% of phones are waterproof because people like to take them everywhere – including the shower! If your phone gets a dunking it can’t recover from, remember: anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled.
Find your nearest recycling point
IT and smart devices FAQs
Is there mobile phone recycling near me?
Yes! Across the UK there are thousands of places to recycle old electricals, including old mobiles. Find your nearest recycling point using our recycling locator.
What should I do with old phones and other IT equipment?
If a device is still working, there are lots of great charity schemes that can sell or pass it on, to help vulnerable people. If it’s beyond repair, find your nearest recycling point.
Can you recycle a printer?
Before recycling a printer, it’s good to check if it can be repaired or reused. If it’s beyond repair, use our recycling locator to find out where to recycle your printer locally.
Is there laptop, computer and PC recycling near me?
Before recycling your device, check whether it could be repaired or reused. If not, find your nearest recycling point using our recycling locator.
