Four in five UK adults feel unsure about the best way to recycle their undesired electronics, according to a new study.
Conducted by computer refurbishment specialists EuroPc, the survey examined 2,100 UK adults who all live in a household with at least five tech devices - and found that that 82% of tech users don't know the proper ways to recycle old electronics.
When faced with a device that they no longer use, respondents said they’re more likely to hoard the device (77%), throw it in the bin (63%) or sell it (48%), rather than recycle it (8%).
Of those who admitted they don’t already recycle devices that are no longer useful, an overwhelming 87% said they’d consider recycling electronics properly provided they were more well-informed on the subject, its benefits and the dangers of e-waste.
Alan Gilmour, managing director of EuroPC said: "You might only associate recycling of any kind with helping the environment, and while recycling old tech and all other electronics definitely does help the environment, there are some other benefits that you might not immediately think of.
"For one, recycling old tech devices can salvage precious metals like gold, copper and steel.
"These metals can be used to make a variety of different items, from crucial medical equipment to jewellery!"
But how easy is it to recycle electronics? Here are the best ways to safely dispose of your broken tech items.
Can I put electrics out with other recyclables?
According to Zero Waste Scotland, electronics are not accepted in household recycling.
Electronics and small electrical items should never be put in the trash bin for the following reasons:
- Electrical items contain batteries that, when thrown in a bin, dangerously end up in landfills. As they decompose, hazardous elements from the metals are released into the environment contributing to water and air pollution
- If electrical products are disposed of in landfill with batteries still inside, they can potentially cause battery fires
- There is no opportunity for refurbishment and repair so that an item can be reused
- There is no opportunity to recycle the items and recover valuable materials and resources
All recycling centres should have a facility for recycling your electric items.
Zero Waste Scotland offer a 'recycling locater' where you can find out what where you can recycle or pass on your unwanted items nearby.
All you have to do is enter your location.
Click here to find your nearest centre and what you can bring.
There are a number of private recycling companies which can properly dispose of old electronics.
Some will even collect the items direct from your home - perfect for larger items such as fridges and washing machines.
These companies charge for their services and fees depend on amount of items.
A list of companies can easily be found online by searching for "electronic recycling" on Google.
If you are looking to recycle on the cheap, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) treatment facilities are located all over the UK and offer recycling services free of charge.
You can drop your tech to a WEEE bring site or book a collection by filling out a form here.
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