Recycling Electronics: The Dos And Don’ts

27-07-2023

Are you unsure about recycling electronics? When getting rid of old devices or appliances, it’s not as simple as just putting them in the bin. WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) can include anything with a cable, plug or battery.

It can be difficult to know how to go about disposing of them when they’re at the end of their life cycle. In most cases, you’ll need to visit a recycling centre. Some councils may accept small appliances as part of their home collection scheme, but all local authorities differ. If you’re unsure on what to do, here’s a small guide to getting rid of your electronics:

WHAT NOT TO DO

DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS

The crossed-out wheelie bin is the symbol for WEEE. This means don’t throw it in your normal bin! Electronics being put in your house waste risks them being sent to landfill, which isn’t the best option for the environment. Larger equipment takes up more space in the ground, and it also may contain harmful materials that could cause pollution.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT RECYCLING BATTERIES

There are many types of batteries that contain dangerous chemicals, which aren’t very good for the earth (or us). To stop them from going to a landfill site, make sure you are recycling your batteries separately from your house waste. You should check for any devices before disposing of your WEEE.

DON’T TRY AND SEPARATE MATERIALS YOURSELF

Some electrical equipment may contain harmful materials inside and removing these yourself could be dangerous. It’s better to leave it to the experts by taking it to your local recycling centre.

WHAT TO DO WHEN RECYCLING WEEE

DO KNOW WHAT YOU CAN RECYCLE

There is so much equipment that you can recycle. From small toothbrushes to your old oven, make sure to look out for the WEEE symbol. Here are just some examples of devices but check out the Recycle Your Electricals to find out more.

DO REMOVE ANY DATA

As a precaution, if you’re getting rid of old computers or a mobile phone, don’t forget to get rid of any information stored on it. This is especially important if you are a business that handles confidential information. You also don’t want to throw away a phone that has lots of photos and memories stored on it, so make sure you check.

GET IN TOUCH WITH GREEN’S RECYCLING TODAY

If you’re unsure or need any help disposing of your electricals, our team can help you. We recycle your electronic devices at our centre. Recycling WEEE can be tricky sometimes, so contact us for more information.