Where Old Electronics Go

What counts as e-waste

Electronic waste covers discarded electrical and electronic devices, from phones and chargers to fridges. It contains materials worth recovering and some that are hazardous if handled carelessly.

Why it does not belong in the bin

• Batteries can catch fire when crushed in rubbish trucks or sorting plants.
• Some components contain substances that should not end up in landfill.
• Metals in circuit boards can be recovered by specialist recyclers.

Good routes

1. Manufacturer or retailer take-back schemes.
2. Local authority collection points for electrical items.
3. Certified electronics recyclers.

Before you drop it off

Wipe the data as you would before passing a device on, remove batteries if the collection point asks you to, and keep cables and chargers together so they can be sorted.

Rules on what can be collected and where differ by country and city. Check your local authority's guidance.

Revised 2026-10-22