Ellesmere
Old electrical appliances can't go in the bin — and they shouldn't. Most contain materials that are harmful if they end up in landfill, and many have components that can be recovered and reused. Here's how to dispose of yours responsibly.
Why it matters
Electrical appliances — everything from a kettle to a fridge freezer — fall under WEEE regulations (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol you'll find on most appliances is the marker: it means the item must not go to general waste.
Many electrical items contain hazardous materials including lead, mercury, and certain refrigerant gases. When these end up in landfill, they can leach into soil and water over time. Responsible disposal — whether through recycling, donation, or collection — keeps these materials out of the environment and allows valuable components to be recovered and reused.
The WEEE symbol — a crossed-out wheeled bin — appears on the vast majority of electrical products. If your appliance has this symbol, it must be disposed of through an approved route, not general household waste.
Step one: work out what to do with it
Before arranging disposal, decide which route makes most sense for your appliance:
Preparing your appliance for removal
Unplug and switch off at the wall before doing anything else.
Clear personal data from smart TVs, tablets, or any device that connects to the internet. A factory reset is the simplest way to do this.
Disconnect supplies. For washing machines and dishwashers, turn off the water supply and disconnect the hoses. For gas appliances, do not attempt to disconnect yourself — contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Defrost freezers and drain any remaining water before moving them.
Handle fridges and fridge freezers carefully — they contain refrigerant gases (CFCs or HFCs) that require specialist handling. Do not attempt to drain or puncture any part of the refrigeration circuit.
Your recycling and disposal options
1. We'll take it when we deliver
The simplest option when buying a replacement: our delivery team will remove your old appliance at the point of delivery as part of our collection service. We handle all the recycling and disposal correctly, so you don't need to arrange anything separately. Just let us know when you order.
Note: please have your old appliance accessible and ready for removal when we arrive. We're unable to make a separate return visit to collect it unless we happen to be in the area.
2. Local recycling centres
Every local authority has at least one household waste recycling centre (HWRC) that accepts WEEE items. Check your council's website to find your nearest site and confirm what they accept — most take white goods, TVs, and small appliances. Larger items like fridge freezers may need to be booked in advance.
3. Council collection service
Many councils offer a bulky item collection service for large electrical appliances. There's often a small charge and a wait time of a few days to a few weeks depending on the area. Check your local council website for availability and booking.
4. Retailer take-back
Under WEEE regulations, retailers that sell electrical goods are required to offer a take-back service. This means you can return an old appliance to a retailer even if you're not buying a replacement — though the specific arrangements vary by retailer.
5. In-store drop-off for small appliances
We operate a battery take-back scheme in both of our stores. For small electrical items, many local recycling points and supermarkets also have collection boxes for items like cables, phones, and small gadgets.
Never fly-tip electrical appliances. Dumping electrical goods illegally is an offence carrying significant fines. Beyond the legal risk, hazardous materials in improperly discarded appliances can harm wildlife and contaminate local environments.
Buying a new appliance? We'll collect your old one at the point of delivery — just let us know when you order.
Our recycling service →Preparing Your Appliance for Removal
Proper disposal of old electrical appliances is essential for both environmental and safety reasons. Many electrical items contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and certain plastics, which, if not handled correctly, can leach into the soil and water, causing long-term environmental damage. Recycling or responsibly disposing of these items reduces the need for mining and manufacturing new materials, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, improperly discarded appliances can pose fire risks or harm wildlife if left in inappropriate places. By ensuring old appliances are disposed of correctly, we help protect our planet, conserve resources, and promote a safer, cleaner environment for all.
Check if Your Appliance Can Be Recycled or Reused
Start by determining whether your appliance should be recycled, donated, or repaired:
Recycle: Electrical items can’t go into standard waste, so anything that’s beyond repair should be recycled. This includes appliances with a plug, charger, batteries, or a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol (WEEE).
Donate or Sell: If your appliance is still in good working condition, consider donating it to a charity or offering it to friends or family.
Repair: If you’re on a budget, a simple repair might extend your appliance's life, saving you from buying a new one. Look up repair guides online or consult a professional.
If you’re still uncertain, check the appliance manual; it often includes disposal guidance.
Preparing Your Appliance for Removal
Before removing your old appliance, follow these steps to ensure it’s ready:
Unplug and turn off the appliance.
For Smart TVs or devices with personal information, restore factory settings to clear any data.
Disconnect any water, waste, gas, or electricity supplies. If you’re disconnecting a gas oven, make sure to consult a Certified Gas Engineer for safe removal.
If You’re Recycling Your Appliance
To recycle safely, follow these steps:
Check if the item is suitable for recycling. For example, defrost freezers and drain any remaining water from washing machines.
Handle fridges with care due to CFC materials. If the appliance is being collected, the collector will manage this. Otherwise, confirm that your local recycling centre accepts fridges.
Explore Your Recycling Options
Local Recycling Centres: Perfect for smaller electrical items, with facilities available through every council. Check your nearest recycling point.
Collection Service: Some councils offer collection services—find out if it’s available in your area. For faster removal, you can also contact a waste removal company.
In-Store Drop-Off or Collection: When purchasing a new appliance, you may be able to return your old one. At Barlows Electrical, we will take away your old item when delivering your new one.
If your appliance is still in working condition, there are several ways it could be reused. Read on to learn more!
Donate or Sell Your Appliance
If your appliance is still in good working order, consider finding it a new home:
Donate: Some charity shops accept electrical donations - call to check if they’ll take yours.
Give Away: Use sites like Freecycle to list your item for free, allowing local members to arrange collection. Alternatively, check if family or friends might be interested.
Sell: If you'd like some extra cash towards your new appliance, list it on websites like eBay or Gumtree. Set the collection option for buyers to pick it up, ensuring the correct model and condition are clearly stated.
Out with the old, in with the new! Disposing of your appliance can be as easy as a quick call, and if it’s still usable, you’ll even be helping someone else or supporting charity. Pick the best option for you and bid farewell to your unwanted item.
