When 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.
Smaller items can be fairly easily disposed of through kerbside collections, in-store at electrical retailers or via recycling banks, but getting rid of large items can be more difficult.
Item Still Working
Others may benefit so consider the following.
- British Heart Foundation collects TVs, music equipment and washing machines for free to sell in their chops.
- Find a local organisation that is part of the Reuse Network (reuse-network.org.ukdonate-items). Some only collect small appliances but others collect white goods free of charge to be resold through a charity shop or donated to a low income family.
Most councils will pick up large appliances (e.g. washing machines, fridges) from outside your house as part of their 'bulky waste' collection service. There is usually a fee to pay, which varies from council to council. However, you may be charged less if you receive certain types of state benefit, so check before you pay. (to check for your local services use uk.gov/collection-large-waste-items).
Pay for Pick Up
Depending where you live, it may be more convenient to use ao.com's Collect & Recycle service. For £20 (2020 price) you can choose a pick-up day. A text reply before 8am on the day will advise you of your allocated three hour pick up slot. You can choose pick up outside the house if you won't be in, or inside the house to save you carrying out, in which case make sure item is disconnected from mains, gas or electric supply and that freezers are defrosted and dry inside. The services 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. Fees vary from company to company.
Source: Good Housekeeping, March 2020.
