How do I recycle electrical items (WEEE)

Knowing what to do with old electronic goods and cables can be a challenge – not least because you can never be sure if you’ll need them again. Many electronics contain valuable materials like metals and plastics that can be reclaimed and used again. Surrey residents were found to be joint 2nd for recycling in the country in a 2023 study! (Well done guys). But recycling should ideally be a last resort, and implementing your choices based on the waste hierarchy is a much better way to save money and reduce your impact. Ideally, you want to try to avoid buying the item in the first place. Libraries of Things are a great way to borrow free items, save money and prevent clutter at home. If you already have the item, then repair is your next best bet, and there are many community-run ‘repair cafes’ around Surrey who offer a free service. You can see locations for these great projects via the link to the map at the bottom right of this page. Before throwing electrical items in your bin, consider how disposing of WEEE correctly can have benefits for others and for Surrey as a whole:

• Increased access: Refurbished electronics can provide affordable technology options for people who might not be able to afford new devices.
  
• Skill development: Learning to repair and refurbish electronics can be a valuable skill.
  
• Cost savings: Reusing and repairing electronics can save money compared to purchasing new devices.
  
• Surrey nature and wildlife: E-waste can contain harmful chemicals and toxins, which can harm Surrey’s threatened species if not disposed of correctly.