Recycling electricals & batteries
Old electrical items and batteries must not go in the household bin. When you buy a new electrical item from us, we collect your old one free of charge — here is how, and where else you can recycle.
Last updated 29 September 2026
Why electricals and batteries need recycling
The crossed-out wheeled bin on an electrical item, its packaging or its battery means it must not go in your household rubbish. Electricals and batteries contain materials that can harm people and the environment if they end up in landfill — and valuable materials that can be recovered and used again.
Free collection of your old item
When you buy a new electrical item from us, we will collect an old item of the same type from you, free of charge — one that does the same job as the one you bought. Buy a new lawn mower, for example, and we will collect your old mower; buy a hedge trimmer, and we will collect an old hedge trimmer.
It does not matter where you bought the old item, or what brand it is.
How to arrange a collection
- Contact us within 28 days of your new item being delivered. Email [email protected] with your order number and the item you would like collected.
- We arrange the collection from your delivery address in mainland UK, and confirm the details with you.
- Have the item ready. Drain any fuel and oil from petrol machines, and make sure the item can be carried out safely.
Batteries
We collect waste batteries free of charge in the same way — including batteries from cordless tools and mowers, and the kinds you would put in household devices. Add them to a collection, or email [email protected] to arrange one.
Take batteries out of an item before it is collected, where you can do so safely, and tape over the terminals. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if they are damaged or crushed in a rubbish lorry — never put them in a household bin.
Other ways to recycle
Your local council’s household waste recycling centre accepts electrical items and batteries, including larger items such as lawn mowers and pressure washers. Many shops and supermarkets also have battery collection points.
To find your nearest recycling point, use the postcode search at recycleyourelectricals.org.uk.