Electrical waste

Domestic electricals and electronics, including both mains and battery-powered items, contain small quantities of hazardous materials as well as valuable materials such as precious metals.

Repair or reuse

Where possible, try to get your broken electrical item repaired.

You can also offer electrical items in good condition and full working order to charity shops, car boot sales or to friends/family. You can also take working electricals to any of the Household Waste Recycling Centres where containers are provided for re-usable items to be placed into. Items are tested and sold by The Benjamin Foundation Reuse Shop, or by local charities Gatehouse and Ipswich Furniture Project.

Recycling

If an item is beyond repair, and you intend to buy a replacement, check whether the retailer from whom you plan to make your new purchase has a take-back scheme for the old item.

If take-back by the retailer is not possible, the following recycling options are available:

Lightbulbs and batteries

Many supermarkets and hardware stores provide recycling points in-store for domestic batteries and lightbulbs. The Household Waste Recycling Centres provide recycling containers for domestic batteries, vehicle batteries, lightbulbs, and fluorescent tubes. 

Large or heavy electricals

Large or heavy end-of-life electrical appliances such as cookers, fridges, freezers, tumble dryers, washing machines, microwave ovens, and TVs, can be taken for recycling free of charge to any of the Household Waste Recycling Centres.

Alternatively, householders can use the bulky waste collection service offered by East Suffolk Services Ltd to have bulky items of waste electrical and electronic equipment collected, for which a charge will be made.

Advice for businesses

Businesses can also find out more about the WEEE regulations.