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E-Waste Recycling

Recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) with EMR

  • The world generates over 62 million tonnes of electronic waste every year – and the volume is rising.
  • Only around 20% of this waste is formally recycled, meaning valuable materials are often lost through disposal.
  • The UK is the second largest producer of WEEE per capita globally.

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Electronic items falling onto a pile. Including CRT monitors, keyboards, and printed circuit boards.

What is WEEE?

WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and includes anything with a plug, cable or battery that has reached the end of its life – from fridges to toasters.

The issue

Electrical and electronic equipment has become an essential part of modern life. But as technology advances faster than ever, “fast tech” - the rapid production and replacement of electronic devices – means we’re upgrading more often, leaving behind a growing trail of unwanted electricals. When WEEE isn’t collected or treated correctly, it can cause serious environmental harm.

Many items contain hazardous components such as lead, mercury, refrigerant gases or POPs (persistent organic pollutants). If disposed of incorrectly, these can release pollutants into soil, water and air.

At the same time, every electrical item sent for disposal represents a loss of valuable resources that could otherwise be reused within the circular economy.

The benefits of recycling WEEE

Recycling electrical waste plays a crucial role in protecting our planet and building a more sustainable future:

  • Conserve raw materials – Reusing metals and plastics from old electronics reduces demand for mining and drilling for new resources.
  • Reduce emissions – Recycling uses significantly less energy than producing materials from scratch, helping to cut carbon output.
  • Create circular economy value – Keeps valuable materials in use for longer, supporting green manufacturing and new product development.
  • Support responsible disposal – Ensures hazardous elements are safely treated, protecting people and the environment.

When e-waste is recycled correctly, we prevent valuable resources from being lost to landfill or incineration, allowing them to be reused, recycled, recovered instead of damaging our planet mining for new materials.

How to recycle your old tech responsibly

Recycling your old devices through the right channels ensures valuable materials are recovered safely and reused in new products. There are several responsible routes for householders to choose from:

  • Local council recycling centres, which usually have dedicated electrical and electronic waste collection points.
  • Retailer take-back schemes, where you can return old electronics when buying replacements.
  • Certified e-waste recyclers, who can process larger or specialist equipment in line with strict environmental standards.

Many of these household services then bring their materials to EMR. By ensuring more WEEE is collected, EMR helps to reduce emissions, conserve resources and strengthen supply chains for sustainable materials.

Pile of old electronic items with a golden sheen to them

Why your old electronics are a goldmine

You don’t need to dig deep underground to find gold. Many households already have access to a modern-day goldmine – hidden in the old phones, laptops and other electronics gathering dust in drawers and cupboards.

Electronic items falling frmo the sky. Including monitors, keyboards, and old PCs

Turning the Tide on the World’s Fastest-Growing Waste Stream

The UK is currently the second largest producer of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) per capita globally, highlighting the scale of the challenge. But this is also the scale of the opportunity.

Electronic items falling frmo the sky. Including monitors, keyboards, and old PCs

The importance of recycling WEEE correctly

At EMR, we are proud to operate the UK’s largest collection and treatment network for WEEE.

Talk to us

Person smiling and looking at computer monitor.

We're here to help answer your WEEE questions, and start your recycling journey.

E: ukinfo@emrgroup.com

T: Call 03330 152 152

FAQs

What is WEEE?

WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and includes anything with a plug, cable or battery that has reached the end of its life – from fridges to toasters.

Who can bring WEEE to EMR?

Both households and businesses can bring end-of-life electrical items to participating EMR sites.

Do I need to prepare items before bringing them in?

If possible, remove any non-electrical components (like food or fluids) and separate WEEE from other waste. Our team will guide you on arrival.

Is there a cost to recycle WEEE?

Costs can vary depending on the type, condition and quantity of items. Call our customer care team for advice before your visit.

Where does the material go after collection?

Collected WEEE is sent to approved treatment facilities for processing and recovery of metals, plastics and other materials – supporting circular economy principles.

Are there any types of WEEE that EMR does not accept?

While EMR accepts most types of WEEE, certain items are prohibited. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Gas lamps
  • Solar panels
  • Vapes / e-cigarettes
  • TVs, monitors, and screens
  • Fluorescent tubes

Are there any items I cannot bring to EMR?

Some materials can’t be accepted at EMR sites because they remain the property of their original owners or users. These include:

  • Dairy trolleys and cages
  • Shopping trolleys
  • Beer kegs and casks
  • Gas cylinders (unless returned through authorised routes)

Gas cylinders can usually be returned to the supplier free of charge. Dairy trolleys, beer kegs, casks, and shopping trolleys should be returned to the dairy, brewery, or supermarket they came from.

In addition, certain items are prohibited under our environmental permits and cannot be accepted at any EMR site:

  • Asbestos
  • Radioactive materials or containers
  • PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
  • CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
  • Ammunition shells or other explosive ordnance

If you’re unsure about a specific item, please call EMR for advice before visiting.