Get rid of the BIG STUFF!
Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or replacing an appliance that has come to the end of its life, here’s how to dispose of larger electricals.
The UK is one of the world’s biggest producers of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). We rack up nearly 25kg per person each year – roughly the same weight as two microwaves! WEEE includes everything from printers and power tools to tumble dryers and TVS, and experts predict that by 2021, the world will be producing a quarter more e-waste than it did in 2014**. When it’s disposed of correctly, rather than being sent to landfill, some useful components can be salvaged and recycled, and any harmful materials can be processed properly so they don’t pollute the environment. But while smaller pieces of electrical waste can be disposed of fairly easily through kerbside collections, in-store at electrical retailers or via recycling banks, getting rid of a larger appliance isn’t always so easy. We’ve rounded up your options.
CONTACT YOUR COUNCIL
Most councils will pick up large appliances, such as washing machines and fridges, from outside your house as part of their ‘bulky waste’ collection service. There’s usually a fee to pay, which can vary considerably depending on where you live. In Harrogate, you’ll pay £43 to have two items collected, but in Telford, you can have up to three items collected for £18. You may be charged less if you receive certain types of benefit (Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit, for example), so check before you pay. If you’re not sure who to contact, use the postcode search tool at gov.uk/collectionlarge-waste-items.
PAY FOR PICK-UP
Depending on where you live, it may be cheaper and more convenient to use ao.com’s Collect & Recycle service. For £20, you can choose the day you want to have your appliance picked up and will receive a text by 8am on the day, giving you a three-hour time slot. You can choose to have the item collected from outside your home if you’re not going to be in, or from inside your house to save you carrying it outside. Just make sure it’s safely disconnected from the mains, gas or water supply and that freezers are defrosted and dry inside. The service covers cookers, fridges, freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and TVS; and you don’t need to have bought a new product from ao.com to use it. Many other retailers will collect your old appliance when delivering a replacement, including Argos (£14.99), appliancesdirect.co.uk (£19.99), John Lewis & Partners (£20) and Ikea (£7).
DONATE IT TO CHARITY
If your appliance still works well, someone else could benefit from it. The British Heart Foundation collects TVS, music equipment and washing machines for free, to sell in its shops. Book a collection online (bhf.org. uk/shop/donating-goods/book-a-freefurniture-collection) or call 0808 250 0030. Or find a local organisation that’s part of the Reuse Network (reusenetwork.org.uk/donateitems). Some only collect small appliances, but others collect white goods free of charge to be resold through a charity shop or given to a low-income household.