Recycle laptops, desktop computers and accessories

Wondering what to do with an old computer and accessories? Read on to find out how and where to recycle laptops, desktops, mice and cables.

Light skinned person holding a cardboard box overflowing with electrical items such as headphones, a keyboard, laptops and a mouse.

Laptop recycling near me

As easy as ABC

Recycle laptops, desktop computers and accessories: quick-start guide

Graphic of a question mark speech bubble surrounded by electrical items

ASK

Have you backed up files that you want to keep from your PC or laptop? Did you remove memory cards and batteries? Have you erased your personal data? Use our guide to deleting data.

Graphic of bag of electricals

BAG IT

Bag up your unwanted laptop, computer and accessories like HDMI cable and mouse until you’re ready to take them for recycling. Recycle the battery pack with your other batteries if it’s removable – they pose a fire risk if mixed in with other recycling.

Graphic of a laptop with recycling locator icon

CHECK

Find your nearest electricals recycling, reuse or donation point by using our locator. If you’re buying a new laptop, computer or accessories you can now hand over your old ones in store for recycling.

Electrical recycling locator

Are you sure you want to recycle your IT gear?

Your laptop, desktop, mouse and cables could live on.

Light skinned man fixing a circuit board against a bright blue backdrop, he's wearing a magnifying visor.

Repair your laptop or accessories

Instead of buying a new computer or the accessories, a repair could save you money. So check with your manufacturer, retailer, local computer repair shop or Repair Cafe.

person holding a see-through plastic box of old cables

Donate your laptop and accessories

Charities can refurbish your computer and accessories for someone who needs them, or recycle or sell them to raise funds. More on donating electricals.

Laptop and headphone wrapped in £5, £10 and £20 notes, floating against a bright blue backdrop.

Sell your laptop and accessories

Your old computer gear may be perfect for someone else. Try online market places to see if you can make a little cash towards your next laptop or desktop. Visit our page about selling

Still want to recycle your laptop or desktop computer?

No problem. Your computer, mouse, HDMI cable and other accessories contain precious materials that can be reused if you recycle them. 

Recycling locator
White and plywood electrical drop off point outside of a homeware shop, text on the bin reads: Recycle electricals responsibly and care for the environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

Retailers will now take your old electricals when you buy new

There are 10,000 new recycling points across the UK

And some larger stores take back your old gear for recycling even if you’re not purchasing from them.

More on retailers and recycling

Where to recycle old laptops, desktop computers and accessories

Pop in your postcode to find your nearest reuse and recycling point

a pale skinned hand holding a plug a dark skinned hand holding some batteries and a pale skinned hand holding some cables on a blue background Bird's-eye view of a work desk cropped in so you can see two sets of hands using laptops and smartphones, other electrical items are strewn across the table surface

DID YOU KNOW?

Humans! Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled

That includes old laptops, their batteries or power packs, power leads and accessories like trackpads, additional monitors, and HDMI, USB, thunderbolt or firewire cables.

And especially the mouse.

31 million laptops

That’s how many unwanted laptops are estimated to be sitting idle in homes across the UK.

When we recycle them instead, the metals and plastics in them can be made into medical equipment, bicycles – even new laptops or desktop computers.

Find your nearest recycling point
Recycle your electricals logo
Recycling Locator