Electrical recycling
Where to recycle small electricals
Anything with a plug, battery or cable should not go in a household bin. Take it to an electrical recycling point, a tip or a shop that takes old electricals back.
Shops
When you buy a new electrical item, the shop must offer a free way to recycle your old one of the same kind. Many take it back in store.
Smaller shops and online sellers can pay into a scheme that funds council tips instead. They then send you to a tip.
Larger electrical shops must usually take back items under 25cm for free, even if you buy nothing.
Tips and drop-off points
Most tips have a container for small electricals. Recycle Your Electricals lists almost 30,000 places in the UK to donate or recycle them.
Council collections
Some councils collect small electricals with your recycling, often in a clear bag tied to the bin. Check with yours first.
Donate it if it works
The British Heart Foundation collects working electricals from your home for free.
Most of an old electrical can be recycled
Recycle Your Electricals says 75% of the materials in old electricals can be recycled and made into new things.
Key facts
- Binmap lists 410 places that say they take small electricals, including 214 tips.
- Another 340 places may take small electricals, but they do not say so. Check before you go.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
Written by Binmap using guidance from Recycle Your Electricals, GOV.UK and Recycle Now.
Pages from the organisations involved
Advice from national bodies
What to do
- Take out any batteries you can and recycle them separately.
- Wipe your data from anything that stores it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not hide small electricals in a bin bag. Hidden batteries can start fires in bin lorries.
Kinds of place that take it
- Electrical recycling points
- Recycling centres
- Charity donation points
Guides for similar items
Other kinds of place
Schemes and collection services
Binmap is independent and is not run by any council.