Did you know?

Electrical appliances such as TVs, DVD players, hi-fis, computers and microwaves tend to be made mostly of glass, plastic and metal, with small amounts of many other substances, some of which may be harmful to the environment. Reusing and recycling is the best way to reduce the environmental impact of these products. If your electrical item:

  • has a mains cable
  • has replaceable batteries
  • needs charging

you should be able to recycle it!

Reuse (1)

If the item is still in good working order, you can pass it on to someone else who could use it.  You could sign up to your local freecycle list and advertise it free to people in your area (but there are plenty of websites you can use to swap or sell your unwanted items).

Reuse (2)

Or you can deliver them to Rework, a reuse project operating at the Smugglers Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre, SW18.   Details of the project can be found here.

Large Domestic Appliance: If the item is a large domestic appliance, e.g. washing machine, cooker, fridge, freezer or a microwave, and it in good cosmetic condition (minimal dents and scratches) even if it is not working, please place it in Bay B (the Reuse Area).  It may be possible for Rework engineers to repair it and then pass it on to charities for resale.  If it is not possible to repair it, it will be recycled.

Small Electrical Items: We now receive Small Electrical Appliances such as hairdryers, radios, kettles for potential reuse.  If you have an item that is in good cosmetic condition, and still works, you should leave it in Bay B (the Reuse Area).  It it is not in working order, please place it in the “Small Electricals” container and it will be recycled.

Recycle

You can take most items to the Smugglers Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre where they can be recycled, if they cannot be reused (see above).  If you live in Hammersmith and Fulham you can also bring your small electrical goods to be recycled at the libraries or council offices.

Retailers and distributors who supply electrical and electronic equipment to householders must ensure that old electrical and electronic items can be returned on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis, free of charge. As such, some offer a free in-store take back facility or by paying into a fund to provide alternative sites to accept waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Further information on the recycling of electrical equipment can be found here.