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Try and hang on to your equipment for longer

Before you dispose of an electronic or electrical item, think about whether you really need to replace it. For example:

• computers can often be successfully upgraded by increasing memory (RAM) or replacing the hard drive – this could give you the improvements you need without having to buy a new computer. Ask in a computer shop or search online to get advice, parts and technical help
• there is no need to replace your mobile phone every year – most phones will work for at least five years. Hanging on to your current phone also means that you could save money on monthly tariffs. Ask your phone company about the different tariffs they have available
• don’t assume you need a new monitor if you do need a new computer – monitors contain toxic chemicals which are hard to dispose of safely. Buying a computer without a monitor can also save you money

Disposing of used equipment

If you do have to get rid of old electrical or electronic equipment, you should avoid throwing it away with household rubbish - this will lead to wasted resources and energy, and could mean harmful chemicals entering the environment:

• unwanted electrical or electronic items, including cables and plugs, can often be re-used. Try finding a new home for your item by using organisations like Freecycle, or donating it to a local re-use charity. The Furniture Reuse Network has an interactive map which will tell you where your nearest re-use charity is - and many will take electrical goods. Council websites often list local charity schemes that accept electrical items
• if you are buying a new electrical or electronic item, ask the retailer how they will help you recycle the old item you are replacing. Retailers are now obliged to either take it back in store, collect it when they deliver the new item, or inform you where you can take the item for recycling free of charge. Some retailers offer a collection service for old items, but may charge for the collection
• existing options for recycling and safe disposal of electronic and electrical items will continue to be available. You can take them free of charge to your local civic amenity site (waste and recycling centre)
• your local authority will collect bulky waste electrical items from your home, although they can charge for the service

• Reducing waste, re-using and repairing
• Freecycle - find exchange projects in your area Opens new window
• Find a local re-use charity via the Furniture Reuse Network Opens new window

Types of product that are covered

You can tell which products are covered by the WEEE regulations by looking out for the ‘crossed out wheeled bin' symbol - this means that you should dispose of it separately from other household rubbish. Types of household electrical and electronic equipment that are covered include:

• large and small household appliances – for example, washing machines, freezers and vacuum cleaners
• IT and telecommunications equipment such as computers and mobile phones
• consumer equipment like radios and TVs
• electrical tools such as drills and saws
• leisure and sports equipment such as video game consoles

This covers products that use electricity for their main function. However, a gas cooker with a small electrical clock would not be WEEE, because the main function (cooking) is not electrical.

Find out more

• Waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) - Environment Agency website Opens new window