Destroy your data, don’t just delete it

This follows advice from the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre and We Fight Fraud

Before passing on your smart device for reuse or recycling you need to permanently delete all personal and private data so that it can’t be retrieved.

Deleting data the conventional way doesn’t destroy it. The code that technology uses to store your information remains on your devices, and can be accessed by criminals with the right know-how. This information may in turn be used to commit fraud. Before passing on your smart device for reuse or recycling you need to permanently delete all personal and private data so that it can’t be retrieved.

Think about all your devices where you store personal data – photos, forms, financial records and documents with information like your address, date of birth, and even passwords. Your information could still be recoverable from your old device if you just delete it – so you need to ensure your data is properly destroyed. This guide will tell you how.

It’s important to follow the instructions shown here or on the device manufacturer’s website to permanently delete your data. This will ensure it can’t be retrieved by anyone else. Find your device type below – and read our step by step instructions to be sure your data is destroyed, not just deleted.

How do I permanently delete my data on my devices? Overview

Some people choose to download specialist data deletion software, or employ a reputable professional to do the job. However, you can permanently delete your data on devices yourself by following these 4 simple steps:

1. Back up important files, such as documents and photos, and transfer them to your new computer, an external hard drive or iCloud. Remember to record the licence numbers of software you may need to reinstall on your new devices.
2. Sign out of all accounts on your device.
3. Destroy your data.
4. If possible, remove any SIM or memory cards.

For information about your specific device:

• Apple computers and laptops
• iPhones and iPads
• Windows computers and laptops
• Android devices
• Games consoles, printers & cameras.

How do I permanently delete my data on Apple computers and laptops?

1. Back up important files, such as documents and photos, by transferring them to your new computer either by using Apple’s Migration Assistant (look in the Utilities folder) or saving to an external hard drive. If you are using an external hard drive, simply copy the contents of your home folder to its new location using the ‘cmd + c’ and ‘cmd + v’ copy and paste function. Be patient – it may take some time.

2. Sign out of iCloud
If you’re using macOS Catalina (v10.15) or later:
> Apple menu (the Apple icon in the top left)
> System preferences
> Apple ID
> Overview
> Sign out

If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier:
> Apple menu (the Apple icon in the top left)
> System preferences
> iCloud
> Sign out

3. Sign out of Music (iTunes)
Open Music (iTunes):
> Account
> Authorizations
> Deauthorize this computer
> Enter your Apple ID
> Deauthorize

4. Sign out of iMessage
Open Messages:
> Messages
> Preferences
> iMessage
> Sign out

5. Destroy your data by erasing your hard drive to remove any files and programmes you’ve added.

On macOS Monterey or later on a Mac with Apple silicon or a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip you can use the ‘Erase all Content and Settings’ feature. Otherwise follow the instructions below.
> Restart Your Mac
> Open in Recovery Mode by holding Command + Q until you see the Apple logo
> Erase your data

Remember to remove any SIM or memory cards before passing on any device.

Apple has more detailed information, and support here.

How do I permanently delete my data on iPhones and iPads?

1. Back up your device through iCloud:
Plug in your device and connect it to WiFi
Go to Settings:
> Apple ID banner
> iCloud
> iCloud Backup
> Back up now.
(The steps may vary slightly depending on model.)

2. Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the app store.
Turn off Find My iPhone:
Go to Settings:
> Apple ID banner
> iCloud,
> Find My iPhone
> Turn it off

3. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings:
Go to Settings:
> General
> Reset
> Erase All Content and Settings.

4. Complete the process by entering your passcode and remove the SIM card, leaving a blank set-up screen for the next user.

Apple has more detailed information and support here.

How do I permanently delete my data on Windows computers and laptops?

If you’re using a Windows computer older than Windows 8.1, factory reset isn’t a guarantee that all the data on your computer will be wiped. For Windows computers older than 8.1, you’ll need to use external software.

The one we recommend is called Eraser, and it’s free and simple to use.

For all Windows deletions, back up important files such as documents and photos you want to keep, and transfer them to your new computer through an external hard drive or the Cloud (eg Dropbox).

1. For computers running Windows 8.1 and above

> Click Start
> Settings
> Updates & Security
> Recovery
> Get Started
> Reset this PC

> Select the ‘Remove Everything’ option. It may take some time to work, and you must be sure that you’ve backed up your data first; once you’ve chosen this option it can’t be undone.

2. For computers running Windows versions before 8.1

You must use an external tool before performing a factory reset. Our recommendation is to use Eraser, found here. It’s free and has a user friendly system. Download it here (choose the latest version), and if you’re having trouble using it, read their help section here. Below is a guide on how to install and use Eraser once it’s been downloaded: 

Installing Eraser:

> Navigate to the folder you downloaded Eraser into, and double click it to run the installer.
> When Windows asks if you’d like the program to make changes to your device, select ‘Yes’.
> Once the installer appears, click ‘Next’
> Accept the licence terms if you’re happy with them, and click ‘Next’
> Select ‘Typical’ as your installation setup type
> Click ‘Install’, and wait for the installation to finish.
> You have the option to run Eraser once it’s installed. If you’d like to use the program immediately, tick the box labelled ‘Run Eraser’, then click ‘Finish’.

If not, you’ll be able to find Eraser in your Start menu.

Using Eraser:

> In your Start menu, you should either see Eraser as an installed program, or be able to search for it using the search function. Find Eraser in the menu and run it.
> When Windows asks whether you’d like the program to make changes to your device, select ‘Yes’.
> The Eraser software will appear. Click the arrow next to ‘Erase Schedule’ then select ‘New Task’ from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+N.
> A pop-up will appear. For task type, select ‘Run immediately’, or for more advanced control you can choose a scheduled time.
> Select ‘Add data’ in the bottom left of the pop-up.
> A new pop-up will appear. For ‘Target Type’ select ‘Files in Folder’. Leave the ‘Erasure Method’ section at default.
> Under the ‘Settings’ section, press the ‘Browse’ button.
> Select your User folder by going to ‘This PC’ > C:/ > Users > [folder labelled with your username]
> Double check the information you provided as being correct, and select ‘OK’ then ‘OK’ again. If you’ve selected ‘Run immediately’, Eraser will now begin to erase the contents of your home folder, including your documents, settings, and personal data. Make sure everything is backed up beforehand, because this process can not be undone.

Performing a factory reset:

Once Eraser has finished with your home folder, you must factory reset your PC. Here is what to do:

> Open Settings
> Find ‘Updates and Recovery’
> Select ‘Get Started’
> Select ‘Remove Everything and Reinstall Windows’.
> Follow the prompts provided.

Remember to remove any SIM or memory cards before passing on any device.

It’s important to be extremely careful when downloading software which claims to delete your files securely. Because the information you may want deleted is, by its nature, sensitive, criminals will be interested in getting their hands on it. As a result, many advertised data deletion tools tend to be malware or viruses. Eraser has been carefully reviewed for many years and is safe to use.

How do I permanently delete my data from my Android device?

1. Back up your device:
Plug in your device and connect it to WiFi
> Navigate through Settings
> Backup & Reset
> Back up my Data
> Accounts
> Google.
(The steps may vary slightly depending on manufacturer/ Android version.)

2. Sign out of your Google account.

3. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings:
Go to Settings
> Security
> Encrypt Phone.
Once this has been completed:
Go to Settings
> Backup & Reset
> Factory Data Reset
> Erase Phone Data.

4. Remove SIM card.
If your Android device has a microSD card, remove it by flipping open the little hatch covering it, using your fingernail to press and release the card and then sliding it out. See Dummies’ guide to removing a microSD card.

Google has more detailed information, and support here.
We also recommend checking the manufacturer’s support site.

How do I permanently delete my data on games consoles, cameras,  printers, and external hard drives?

1. Back up important files such as documents and photos you want to keep, and transfer them to your computer, to another hard drive or to the Cloud (eg Dropbox).

2. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings.
Unfortunately, the factory reset functions on smart devices vary wildly in how well they destroy your data. It’s a good idea to perform a factory reset anyway, and you can find specific advice on how to do so online. Our advice is to only recycle such devices through trusted third party exchanges, as they have specialised tools and software to help ensure your data is securely destroyed. Never trust a factory reset alone to securely delete your information.

3. Remove any SD or memory cards from the device.
Generally, it’s a good idea not to sell used storage media such as a memory card with the device itself, so remove it. 

4. Format external media such as hard drives or memory cards.
If you’re donating, selling or recycling storage media, you can connect it to your laptop and use a program such as Eraser for Windows or Disk Utility for Mac. If you’re using Disk Utility, set the security level to most secure when erasing the media, in order to securely destroy the information on there first.

‘Formatting’ SD cards or other storage media is not sufficient to destroy your data. Every smart device has its own quirks on how it uses external storage. As such, there’s no perfect catch-all.

The post How to delete your personal data safely from smart devices appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

If the idea of helping the planet by buying jewellery from recycled metals grabs you, you’re in luck. Jewellers and designers are creating gorgeous adornments using recycled metals – some of it from discarded electricals.

If you’d like to go straight to our list of jewellers using recycled metals you can jump ahead. But you may be intrigued to know that some of the silver, gold or copper in those earrings or necklace you have your eye on might once have been part of your smartphone, TV or even hairdryer. 

That’s because the electrical gadgets that power modern life contain valuable metals such as aluminium, copper and zinc – even gold and silver. 

Silver in electronics

Take silver – its brilliant conductivity, durability and light weight make it a natural choice to be used in everything from printed circuit boards to switches on countless electronic devices. Televisions, phones, microwave ovens, toys and computer keyboards, room lighting, you name it. ‘If it has an on/off button,’ says the Silver Institute, ‘it’s likely that silver is inside.’

Granted, there’s only a tiny amount of silver, gold, copper etc in one phone, laptop, or hairdryer. But collectively we’re using – and discarding – millions of such gadgets. So the volume of metals really starts to add up. 

And the thing about metals is that they’re relatively easy to recycle. Readily separated from other materials, such as plastics, metals can be returned more or less to the purity they had when they were originally refined. This means they can be used again and again.

Better for the planet

That’s good news because reusing metals reduces pressure to dig new ore from the Earth. If you just took the unwanted cables lying around in UK homes and recycled the copper in them, it could save 140,000 tonnes of rock from being blasted out of the ground. Enough to fill a dozen Olympic swimming pools.

Reducing the need for mining will also avoid soil erosion, air and water pollution, and damage to landscapes and biodiversity. And it will help curb those climate-changing emissions created when we mine and process metal ores.

So there are plenty of reasons to opt for recycled metals. Which brings us back to the fact that, together, the unused electrical appliances and gadgets languishing in homes across the UK are a proper mine of recycled metals – and one whose potential is largely untapped. 

That’s where you step in. 

First, by recycling your electricals. When we’ve finished with those headphones, chargers or electric toothbrushes, if we pass on or recycle them rather than shove them in a cupboard or chuck them in the rubbish bin, we’re effectively reducing pressure to mine for virgin ore. Find your nearest electrical recycling point using our handy locator.

Second, choose products made from recycled metals. And so to jewellery. If you’re wondering whether buying recycled will really make a difference, consider this: the jewellery industry accounts for nearly a sixth (16.5%) of global silver demand. 

Jewellery from recycled metals

Not only is silver the most conductive metal, it is also highly prized for its beauty and workability. So it makes sense that at least one major supplier to jewellery-makers, Cookson Gold, offers metals from recycled electronics and electricals. 

In fact if you start digging you soon realise that jewellers have long used recycled materials in their craft. It’s just that they don’t necessarily shout about it – something fashion guru Harold Tillman thinks should change. 

But to save you having to do much digging, we’ve compiled a list of jewellers using recycled metals that have caught our eye. It’s not exhaustive but if you’re looking for a special piece this year, our list isn’t a bad place to start.

Jewellers using recycled metals

Aquila Jewellery

Aquila are introducing a new recycled sterling silver pledge, starting with recycled metal in their chunky sterling silver hoops and silver hammered hoops. They say their aim in the near future is for all of their metals to be recycled. 

CompletedWorks

CompletedWorks say all their gold jewellery is made from either recycled or Fairtrade gold, and a ‘significant proportion’ of their silver is from recycled or reclaimed silver. Using recycled silver, they say, reduces CO2 emissions by two thirds compared to mined silver, helps curb consumption of natural resources, and eases the environmental impact of mining – including contamination of ground water with mercury and cyanide.

Loveness Lee

Loveness Lee are confident that choosing their recycled silver pieces doesn’t mean compromising on quality. ‘The only difference’, they say, ‘is that you’re helping us protect our planet.’ The company’s ultimate aim is to use recycled silver across all its collections.

Lylie’s

Lylie’s use salvaged gold and silver, recycled from e-waste, dental uses and their own exchange scheme. Lylie’s made a special series for the model and campaigner Lily Cole, working with our Five Gold Rings campaign to raise awareness of this hidden treasure in unwanted electronics. 

Orelia

Orelia recently launched their first recycled collection, prompted, they say, by time spent outdoors during lockdown. The Inspired by Nature collection uses 100% recycled silver base metal certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. 

Pandora

The well-known jewellers have made a commitment to using only recycled silver and gold in their products by 2025. By doing so Pandora expect to save the equivalent of 37,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year, which they reckon is more than the emissions from the electricity used by 6,000 homes in a year.

Laura Vann

Laura Vann’s V range is ‘made to last both in terms of a timeless aesthetic and sustainable origin; using recycled silver’. Their Keep Collection, meanwhile, emphasises use of recycled materials and an ethos of countering fast fashion with jewels that have longevity designed in.

Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader claim that by using only 100% recycled gold vermeil (a form of plating) and sterling silver they will have avoided more than 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions by the end of 2021. 

Sken

Sken told us that they source most of their recycled precious metals from Cookson Gold. As is common among jewellers working in metal, Sken also reuse their own scraps, melting them down, rolling them out into sheet or wire and working with them again.

The post Sustainable jewellery – the beauty of recycling appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

The history of WEEE recycling: key facts about the WEEE scheme, how it works and how it benefits you

You might have heard the term WEEE recycling or WEEE disposal. Maybe you’ve seen the symbol of a crossed-out wheelie bin. But do you know what ‘WEEE’ stands for or what it does? In this article we describe the history of WEEE recyciling, where WEEE came from, how it works and why it’s so important.

What is WEEE recycling?

WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment – in other words, electrical and electronic goods that are being thrown away. So ‘WEEE recycling’ refers to the recycling of unwanted electrical goods or components. And when you see terms such as ‘WEEE disposal’ and ‘WEEE collection’ they’re describing the end-of-life management of any product, large or small, with a plug, cable or battery. 

What is the aim of the WEEE regulations?

The ultimate aim of WEEE recycling regulation is to tackle the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, electricals, to curb environmental damage and to stop the economic value of a range of precious materials being lost forever.

How does WEEE regulation work?

The principle behind the WEEE recycling scheme is simple: if you produce or sell electrical goods, you are responsible for what happens to them at the end of their useful life. That puts the onus on the producer or retailer to collect and recycle a certain amount of product – currently 65% of the weight of goods they put into the market. If they miss the targets they pay a fee into a fund which is used to improve recycling services. 

Behind the scenes, the system that makes this happen is quite complex. Essentially producers of electricals join compliance schemes who make contracts with local authorities, retailers and recyclers to do the collecting, weighing and recycling. These compliance schemes then report to the Environment Agencies on the quantities of electricals collected from local authorities and retailers. 

History of WEEE recycling: where did WEEE recycling regulations come from?

The WEEE regulations are now just over a decade old. But their origins go back to the mid-1990s when the European Union (EU) was looking at getting packaging manufacturers to take responsibility for their waste. 

Then in the early 2000s the EU moved to control hazardous substances in manufactured goods – lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) for example. At the same time electricals also came under the spotlight. The EU WEEE directive was created to make producers responsible for tackling the burgeoning mountain of waste electricals. 

EU Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (the WEEE directive) became European law in February 2003. It set collection, recycling and recovery targets for all types of electricals – initially at 4 kg of electricals per head of population per year. 

The UK translated the WEEE directive into national law. From 2007 this law obliged producers, retailers and local authorities to collect, treat and account for electrical waste.

And it’s not just in the UK. Across the European Union the life-cycle of electrical equipment – from production to disposal – is now regulated by European and national laws.

Does the same electrical recycling scheme apply across Europe? 

Actually, no. Different countries have different WEEE systems. A few still have a single scheme for collecting and managing all the recycling. But most countries have between three and six waste electricals schemes. 

The UK is unusual in having as many as 28 producer compliance schemes.

What benefits have we seen from WEEE recycling? 

The thing most of us will notice is that it’s becoming much easier to recycle our old electricals. There are more collection points than before, more retailers offering collection services, making it easier and more convenient to have our unwanted electricals reused or recycled. And thanks to the Recycle Your Electricals campaign recycling locator, it’s now easier than ever to find your local electrical recycling point.

The result? A lot more electrical waste is now being collected and treated than previously. Which is good news for the planet and the economy: fewer precious resources being sent to landfill means less carbon emissions, less mining for primary materials –  and less damage to the environment and communities.

Why is WEEE recycling so important?

Recycling our old unwanted electricals is a really important way of saving precious natural resources and curbing climate-changing emissions. And it’s something more and more of us can do as the recycling network expands and improves. 

What will happen to WEEE after Brexit?

So much for the history of WEEE recycling. What next? As Britain exits the European Union, UK WEEE regulations will no longer be hardwired to the EU regulations. They are very unlikely to disappear though, since electricals are the fastest growing waste stream in the world. In 2020 as much as £100 million was being invested by producers into collection and treatment of WEEE – including into local authorities.

The post What is WEEE recycling and why is it so important? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

Times are changing fast in the world of second-hand electricals and electronics. So you’d be forgiven if you hadn’t clocked that many charity shops now take electrical goods, and that some will even collect from your home. But the truth is, with at least one national charity – British Heart Foundation – now running shops specifically branded as electrical stores. In this article we look at what kinds of electricals you can donate, which charity shops accept them and which charity shops collect from you. If you want to go straight to our list of charity shops that accept and collect electricals, jump ahead.

Otherwise, read on for some quick tips on why and how to donate your unwanted electricals. 

What should you do with unwanted electricals?

Whether you’re having a major clear-out or simply want to get rid of the odd gadget, you have a few options – all of which trump the rubbish bin. 

Anything with a plug, battery or cable that is beyond use or repair can be recycled. Check the recycling locator to find your nearest recycling point.

But first you might check whether you could repair and reuse your electrical products yourself. 

Failing that, could you sell your electricals for some extra cash? 

Or – and this is our theme here – if you’d prefer to see your old items go to a good cause, we’ll help you find out which charities will take electrical goods, what they will accept, and whether they might even collect electrical items from your door.

Do charity shops take electrical goods? 

The short answer is yes, many do. While not all charity shops will take all types of electrical goods, you shouldn’t have to go far to find one that will welcome your old electricals. 

From healthcare, to anti-poverty to animal rescue charities and organisations that redistribute donated devices to people who need them, the non-profit sector should be top of your list when you’re looking to declutter your electrical life. Some charity shops are well set up to collect from your home – electricals included. 

That’s because there is huge hidden value in the mountains of electrical gadgets, smart devices, toys, household appliances, entertainment gear, leisure equipment and tools that are tucked away unused in homes across the UK. Our research has shown that there are some 527 million unwanted electrical items in our homes and that we throw away 155,000 tonnes a year, costing the UK economy £370 million.

Charities have realised this and many are now geared up to sell, pass on, or dispose of electricals in ways that get decent value from them. So if items really can’t be reused, the fact is that anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled. That means the precious materials they contain can be remanufactured into new products – from bicycles and playground swings to life-saving defibrillators. 

It’s far better for all of us, the economy and the environment to make use of those unwanted electricals than let them gather dust in a cupboard. You probably want the space, too.

What electricals do charity shops accept?

Bear in mind that not all charities accept electricals and of those that do, some are more selective than others. But with the following tips, you should have no problem finding a charity that will take your electricals, and even one that will collect from you.

Are your electricals in good condition?

Let’s start with the condition of electricals. If you wish to donate electricals to charity so that they can re-sell them, make sure all your donations are clean and usable. As one charity puts it, “If you wouldn’t buy it then we probably won’t be able to sell it.”

Here are some other things that will make your electricals more desirable: 

• Boxed, as new
• In good working order
• With accessories such as chargers.

Small is (more) beautiful

And if your unwanted items fit some of the following categories, it’s more likely that a charity near you will welcome them:

• Small electricals
• Battery-powered electricals – ie that don’t need to be plugged in to the mains
• Mobile phones
• Toys and games
• Cameras
• Sat-navs 
• Ipods and MP3 players
• Laptops.

You’ll notice that this list doesn’t include bulkier electrical items such as fridges, washing machines or televisions. That’s not to say there are no charities that will take the bigger electrical products – there are; it’s simply to stress that small electricals in decent condition are more likely to be accepted at a charity shop near you. 

There are also some types of electrical goods that, for understandable reasons, seem less welcome among charity shops. These include second-hand medical equipment, sunbeds and electric blankets. You might need to consider repairing or recycling these.

What we’re definitely not recommending is that you can rock up to any old charity shop with a box of preloved electricals expecting to be able to hand them all over. And you should certainly resist the urge to leave the contents of your gadget cupboard on your local charity’s doorstep (unless they explicitly ask you to do that). It may be well-intentioned but it’s probably going to create a headache for the charity.

All it really takes is a little bit of research – and to set you on your way, we’ve made a start for you.

Which charity shops take electrical goods and which charity shops collect?

Here, in alphabetical order, are some major charities – and a few smaller ones – that might make sure your unwanted electricals are put to good use.

Acorns

The children’s hospice charity runs more than 50 shops across Birmingham and the West Midlands that take small electricals boxed as-new or in good working condition. Find a local Acorns store where you can donate your electricals.

Age UK

The older people’s charity says its larger shops that accept furniture may also take electricals. In 2020 there were 18 such stores in England and Wales, from Barnstaple in Devon to Winsford in Cheshire. Contact an Age UK shop near you.

BHF

British Heart Foundation takes a wide range of electrical items for resale, including gadgets such as consoles, tablets and laptops, and even bulky items such as fridges, TVs and washing machines. The BHF website helpfully lists the items they can’t take. BHF is also one of the charity shops that collects – arrange that via the BHF website too.

Cancer Research UK

The charity’s shops across the country will take electricals, excluding white goods such as washing machines and fridges and damaged or broken toys. Check with your local Cancer Research UK store before paying them a visit. If you’re a business, talk to them about arranging a collection.

ChildAid to Eastern Europe 

This London-based charity accepts mobile phones, cameras, and gadgets including sat-navs, MP3 players, and games consoles. Find out more about ChildAid to Eastern Europe.

DEBRA 

“One person’s junk is another’s treasure”, says the skin health charity, which operates more than 100 charity shops across the UK. DEBRA’s furniture and electrical stores offer free collection of large donated items within a 15 mile range. Contact a store to arrange a collection or book one online.

Emmaus

The homlessness charity takes mainly donated furniture, but also some electricals, to redistribute to people who need them. They will also collect larger items by arrangement. Check with your nearest branch.

FARA

This London-based charity supporting families in Romania accepts a range of electricals excluding large, non-flat screen TVs, computer hard drives, white goods and electric blankets. Contact FARA shops directly before donating large items.

Little Lives 

This children’s charity, based in London, welcomes donations of unwanted TVs and computers. They are another charity that will collect – in this case even a single laptop. Contact Little Lives.

Marie Curie 

Accepts small electricals, and shops will collect from within a 20-mile radius (outside the London congestion zone). Contact Marie Curie about donating electrical goods.

Mind 

The mental health charity’s shops in Alvaston in Derbyshire, and Hinckley in Leicestershire take donations of electrical and white goods. Some of Mind’s other shops also accept electricals – but check with your nearest Mind branch.

Oxfam

Many Oxfam shops take electrical goods – especially toys, games and mobile phones. Ask your nearest Oxfam branch before donating.

Red Cross

Welcomes new, boxed electrical items, cameras and multimedia devices. Contact your local Red Cross shop before you visit.

Salvation Army

A growing number of the Salvation Army’s charity shops are able to test electrical items safely and so take them for resale. Call ahead to Salvation Army Trading to check if your nearest branch will accept electricals.

Sue Ryder 

Accepts a range of electrical goods to redistribute or resell. They can’t take computers, mobile phones, electric showers and blankets, sunbeds, waste disposal units or white goods – but that still leaves plenty they will accept. Find your nearest Sue Ryder shop. 

Sense 

Takes a range of electrical goods – and some of Sense’s shops will collect from you.

The post Do charity shops take electrical goods? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

The Electrical Retailer Take-back rules – and how can they help you recycle your electricals.

The new Electrical Retailer Take-back rules mean recycling appliances has just got easier. Now, when you buy a new electrical product from any one of thousands of shops across the UK, the store will take back your old appliance on a like-for-like basis. And they will do so whether or not you bought your old product from that shop. The rules, which cover all types of electricals, came into effect in the UK on 1 January 2021. 

What the Electrical Retailer Take-back rules mean for you: easier appliance recycling

Next time you go into an electrical store, expect to see a sign explaining that:

• Retailers will recycle your old appliance for free when you’re buying a new one. For the majority of retailers this will be on a ‘like-for-like basis’. For example, if you buy a charger from your local electrical retailer, then you can hand in your old one for recycling.
• All you need to do is bring in your old electrical item within 28 days, show the receipt for its replacement – and the retailer will do the rest.

It’s estimated that there will be an additional 10,000 drop-off locations for your old electricals across the UK following the new rules.

Will all shops take back any old appliances for recycling?

Not all. But at the very least, the rules mean that many more retailers than before will take back old electricals. All large electrical and electronic sellers with any significant retail space will take your old gear in-store on a like-for-like basis. So remember to take your old, broken kettle with you when you go to buy a new one – and hand it in for recycling.

Some electrical and electronic retailers will go over and above these basic requirements. Currys, for example, already takes in any unwanted electricals at any store, regardless of whether you are buying a new electrical item there, and have been doing so for many years.

Of course, if you’re making a special journey to buy something new, it’s worth checking the specific store’s policy on appliance recycling and taking back items before you go.

Do the rules cover recycling of bulky appliances

Yes they do. If you have bulky household appliances to recycle, such as a fridge or washing machine, bear in mind that brands with multiple stores selling a range of different products will take larger goods at specific locations only. So check with the store before you load up the car with your unwanted appliances.

Are Amazon and other online retailers part of the retailer take-back rules?

Currently, online retailers don’t have to provide the take-back service. But we don’t have long to wait. Retailers which operate solely online will need to have systems in place by 2022. 

Do the retailer take-back rules replace other recycling services?

No. This is an additional service. You can still recycle your waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) through local council services such as household waste recycling centres. Some people will also have community drop-off points, or council collections from their door, along with other recycling materials. 

But the retailer take-back scheme means that many electrical retailers will for the first time take back your old products in store. It’s all about making it easier to recycle your electrical appliances. 

Will the take-back rules really work?

In-store collection schemes work well in other EU countries. So thousands of extra drop-off points in the UK should be a big boost for all of us wanting to recycle our old electricals. Research by Material Focus shows that two-thirds of us want to recycle more of our electricals but don’t always know how or where. So we’re hoping this will be a step in the right direction for us all.

What electronic and electrical items can I recycle?

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled or reused. The materials recovered from recycled electricals can be remanufactured into a range of products from children’s playgrounds to life-saving medical equipment. Donating your tech, meanwhile, can help keep low-income families connected or provided with essential appliances at home.

Why should I recycle my electronics and electrical items?

Recycling and reusing unwanted electricals can help the economy and improve lives. Plus, electrical equipment contains materials which can be dangerous to the environment and harmful to human health if not disposed of correctly. 

Yet the average household in the UK currently throws away 20 electrical items every year, and millions of gadgets are gathering dust unused and unwanted in cupboards and garages across the country. Electrical and electronic equipment is the fastest-growing waste stream in the UK and across the world.

So next time you’re in the market for anything with a plug, battery or cable, remember the retailer take-back scheme. It’s here to help you recycle your electricals.

The post Do retailers offer appliance recycling? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

The post Can you recycle tablets? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

The post Is there lawn mower disposal near me? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

The post Where do I go for power tools recycling? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

The post Where do I go for lawn mower recycling? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.

The post Where can I recycle my kettle? appeared first on Recycle Your Electricals.