Recycling your Electrical Items 

Every year, UK households and businesses discard an estimated 2 tonnes of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This category covers almost every product that uses a plug or battery, from k ettles and laptops to washing machines. 

Since WEEE is the fastest-growing waste stream in the UK, regulations were introduced in 2013 to reduce the amount going to landfill. If you spot the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol on an item, it means it cannot go into your general waste — it must be recycled properly. For learners exploring sustainability modules like Environmental Lesson 10, understanding these rules is crucial to safe and responsible practice. 

How can you dispose of electrical waste? 

Kerbside collection 

Most local councils now collect small WEEE items alongside normal household waste. All you need to do is place the item in a bag next to your wheelie bin on collection day. Check your council’s website for specific rules, as not all areas follow the same system. 

Recycling centres 

Your local recycling centre is equipped to deal with electrical waste safely. Dedicated bins are available for small devices, and larger items such as fridges and freezers are sent to designated areas. Be prepared to book a slot online and bring proof of address. If you’re training to enter the trade, guides like how to become an electrician show how compliance links directly to sustainability in modern installations. 

Retailer collection 

Under UK law, retailers must offer a take-back scheme for old appliances. In-store returns are free, but collection from your home usually carries a small charge. When upgrading your washing machine or TV, always ask about the recycling policy before purchase. 

Selling and reusing 

Platforms such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, CeX and Music Magpie make it easy to sell unwanted devices. Many companies specialise in refurbishing electronics for resale. Just remember to wipe personal data and reset devices before selling. 

Donating to charity 

Some charity shops accept working electrical items, helping them raise funds and extending the life of your device. As acceptance varies, always check their list first. 

Bulky waste collection 

For large appliances like freezers, councils offer bulky waste collections. Charges vary — for example, Birmingham City Council currently charges £33 for up to 10 items, while other councils set fees per item. 

Why this matters 

As part of moving toward Net Zero, recycling helps reduce landfill waste and recovers valuable materials such as copper, steel, and even gold. This is why modules like Environmental Lesson 11 are central to electrical training. Courses such as the fast track electrician course also highlight how sustainability and compliance are shaping the industry, ensuring tomorrow’s electricians are prepared for these responsibilities. 

What counts as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)? 

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that is regulated to reduce incineration or landfill disposal, encouraging recovery, reuse, and recycling. It covers EEE in 15 broad categories, including large household appliances (e.g., fridges, washing machines), small h ousehold appliances (e.g., toasters, vacuums), IT and telecommunications equipment (e.g., computers, phones), consumer equipment (e.g., TVs, radios), lighting equipment (e.g., lamps, LED bulbs), electrical and electronic tools (e.g., drills, lawnmowers), toys/leisure/sports equipment (e.g., electric trains, fitness machines), medical devices (e.g., monitoring equipment), monitoring/control instruments (e.g., smoke detectors), and automatic dispensers (e.g., vending machines). Exclusions include military products, space-designed equipment, large-scale industrial tools, transport vehicles (except non-type-approved electric two-wheeled vehicles), off-road professional machinery, R&D B2B equipment, implantable medical devices, and infective medical devices at end-of-life. Filament bulbs are excluded, but LED filament bulbs are included. As of 2025, the regulations have been updated to include operators of online marketplaces placing EEE from non-UK suppliers, and vape retailers have specific obligations. Elec Training emphasizes that items like cables, chargers, and batteries from electrical work often fall under WEEE, requiring proper handling to comply with environmental standards. 

What does the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol mean on electrical items? 

The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol, as per the BSI EN50419 standard, indicates that the product is covered by WEEE regulations and should not be disposed of with general household waste. It signifies that the item must be collected separately for recycling or reuse to prevent environmental harm from hazardous materials like lead or mercury. This symbol is mandatory on EEE products and packaging in the UK to promote responsible disposal. Elec Training teaches recognition of this symbol in its sustainability modules, ensuring electricians advise clients on proper end-of-life management for appliances. 

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive – Wikipedia 

Can I put old electrical items in my household rubbish? 

No, old electrical items should not be put in household rubbish bins, as they are classified as WEEE and must be collected separately to avoid landfill or incineration, which could release harmful substances. Disposing of WEEE in general waste is illegal under the WEEE Regulations 2013, with potential fines for non-compliance. Instead, use designated collection points or schemes. Elec Training stresses this to prevent environmental damage and ensure safe disposal during electrical upgrades. 

Do local councils offer kerbside collection for small electricals? 

Yes, many local councils in the UK offer kerbside collection for small electrical items as part of household recycling services, though availability varies by area—check your council’s website or app for specific schemes, often included in weekly bin collections or special uplifts. For example, some councils partner with services like Recycle Your Electricals for free collections. Elec Training recommends verifying local options, as this supports WEEE compliance for small appliances like toasters or chargers. 

How do recycling centres handle electrical waste? 

Recycling centres (Household Waste Recycling Centres, HWRCs) handle electrical waste by accepting WEEE items for free, sorting them into categories for treatment—producers finance collection, recovery, and disposal through compliance schemes if over 5 tonnes of EEE are placed on the market annually. Centres separate components like metals and plastics for recycling, ensuring hazardous materials are safely managed. Elec Training trains electricians on directing clients to these centres for proper disposal during replacements. 

Are retailers legally required to take back old appliances? 

Yes, retailers are legally required under WEEE Regulations to offer free take-back of old a ppliances when selling a new like-for-like item (e.g., old fridge for new fridge), and stores over 400m² must accept small WEEE (under 25cm) without purchase. Online sellers must provide equivalent services. As of 2025, this includes vapes and online marketplaces for non-UK suppliers. Elec Training advises using this for seamless upgrades. 

Can I sell or reuse unwanted electrical devices instead of recycling them? 

Yes, you can sell or reuse unwanted electrical devices, as producers must provide reprocessing information within one year of market placement to support this—options include online marketplaces like eBay or Gumtree, or donating to charities, provided items are safe and functional. Reuse extends product life, reducing waste. Elec Training promotes this for sustainability, but notes safety checks are essential. 

Which charity shops accept electrical items for donation? 

Charity shops like British Red Cross (specialist furniture/electrical shops accept working items), Dorothy House (some electricals, check list for exclusions), and Oxfam (limited acceptance, no broken/dirty items) take electrical donations if PAT-tested and in good condition—always call ahead, as policies vary and some like Red Cross accept vintage goods. Elec Training suggests donating functional items to reduce WEEE, but ensure safety compliance. 

How do bulky waste collections work for large appliances like fridges and freezers? 

Bulky waste collections for large appliances are arranged through local councils, often for a fee (£20-£50 per item), with scheduled pickups from your property—book via council websites or apps, and items must be accessible curbside. Some councils offer free collections for WEEE, but check specifics; producers finance household WEEE disposal via schemes. Elec Training recommends this for safe removal during upgrades. 

Why is recycling electrical items important for the environment and sustainability? 

Recycling electrical items is crucial to reduce landfill/incineration, recover valuable materials (e.g., metals), minimize hazardous waste pollution (e.g., mercury/lead), and support Net Zero by promoting resource efficiency—preventing emissions from new production and aiding circular economy goals, with UK aiming for 85% recovery. Elec Training integrates this into courses, linking to UK’s sustainability targets.