We have partnered with Recycle Your Electricals (RYE) to make it easier for everyone to reuse and recycle unwanted electricals and electronics and make the most of the valuable materials within them.

Discarded old electricals and electronics are one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world – and in the UK. 155,000 tonnes of electricals are discarded every year, instead of reusing or recycling them. That creates electronic waste – and that poses a major threat to the environment and to human health.

What can be recycled?

Everything with a plug, battery or cable (including loose cables themselves) can be recycled and transformed into anything from children’s playgrounds to life saving equipment.

Small electrical and electronic items (toasters, kettles, vapes, hairdryers) can be recycled through your kerbside recycling collection – but the item has to fit inside a standard carrier bag (not bin bags).

For any larger electrical and electronic items (TVs, fridges, washing machines), please book a slot at the household waste recycling centre (HWRC) or book a council collection via our Recycling and Rubbish Team 023 9284 1105 recyclingandrubbish@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

How do I put my small electricals out for recycling?

Small electrical and electronic items can be put out alongside your normal kerbside recycling collection.

  • Remove any glass, such as lightbulbs
  • Put items in a normal sized carrier bag
  • Place on top of the lid of your recycling bin or box on collection day (not inside)

If you live in a block of flats with communal recycling bins, you will need to take your electrical waste (big or small) to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Port Solent (remember to book a slot first).

You can also find recycling points near you using the Recycling Locator on the Recycle Your Electricals website.

Some retailers may offer to collect and recycle your old electrical items for free when you purchase a new one (e.g., washing machine, refrigerators) – check directly with the retailer.

FAQs