These days nothing should go to waste when an appliance comes to the end of its useful life. Any electrical item that has a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol (shown below) can be recycled.
Domestic appliances contain a range of materials – plastics and precious metals such as gold, copper, aluminium and steel – that can be separated for recycling and used in new products.
For example, the copper motor in a hover mower can be turned into winding wire for motors in new electronic products such as fridges and vacuums cleaners.
These recoverable raw materials are of high value. The nation discards 103,000 tonnes of them every year– and that costs the UK economy £488 million. So, it makes sense that you know how to recycle your large appliances (washing machines, fridges…) and the small ones (hairdryers, toasters, coffee machines…) when these products come to the end of their (first, or second, or third…) life.
Of course, if you know your item can be recycled but it’s still in working condition, consider donating it instead. National charities such as British Heart Foundation collect electrical items, as do some of the smaller local charities. Electrical items that are suitable for re-sale can generate precious funding for such charities.
Luckily for you (and the Earth!) retailers must provide a way to take back and recycle your old appliance, regardless of brand, when you buy a new version of the same item, within 28 days. Many retailers offer a pick-up scheme for large appliances, collecting your old product at the same time as a new one is delivered and/or installed. This can be free or come with a small charge for transport. Some retailers provide free, in-store recycling schemes too or as an alternative. Appliances Direct, AO, Argos and Currys all have recycling schemes for large appliances but check individual retailer for specific details as it varies.
Large appliances are usually found in kitchens or utility rooms and include fridges, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers.
Some local councils offer collections schemes for large appliances. This might include a fee. To apply for special collection of large waste items, visit the https://www.gov.uk/collection-large-waste-items and enter your postcode to get started.
Council-run recycling centres also usually accept large appliances if you are able to take your machine there. This service is free, but before making the trip, check if you need to book a slot or take proof of address. For an overview of nearby donation points, you can enter your postcode on the Recycle Your Electricals website.
Small appliances can be found all around your home. These include blenders, coffee machines, clothes steamers, dehumidifiers, kettles, food mixers, air fryers, fans, hair dryers, irons and toasters. If one of these products has come to the end of its life, and is beyond repair, you should recycle it and there are various ways you can do this.
For both small and large appliance, if you buy a replacement, retailers are obliged to take in old products of the same type, no matter the brand, within 28 days of your purchase. As small appliances are portable, the best method usually is an in-store recycling scheme. These are always free, and are offered by retailers such as AO, Argos, Currys and Robert Dyas.
Otherwise, many local authorities offer kerbside collection (these small items need to be put in a carrier bag and placed next to your waste or recycling bin on collection day) and some now have small electricals bank in residential areas. Or, if your local council is not able to collect your small appliances, you can take them to a recycling centre. For an overview of nearby donation points, you can enter your postcode on the Recycle Your Electricals website.
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