Reuse and recycle electrical items
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What you can recycle
You can recycle anything with a plug, battery, or cable, including:
- smartphones
- charging cables
- broken kitchen appliances such as toasters or blenders
- electric shavers
- electric toothbrushes
- hair dryers
- computers
- laptops
- tablets
- game consoles
- televisions
- speakers
- remote controls
Use the electricals recycling locator to find shops or electrical recycling points near you, and the items you can take to them.
Laptops and tablets
You can drop off unwanted laptops or tablets that are less than 8 years old at any Barnet Library.
These will be collected by 2econd Chance who will refurbish the device and ensure that it goes to a digitally excluded Barnet resident.
2econd Chance can issue certification to give you peace of mind that your data has been completely erased.
If you’re getting rid of an old phone, laptop or another device that holds personal information, make sure you delete your data first.
More information about the refurbished laptop scheme
Batteries
Disposing your batteries in your household bins can result in fires when they are crushed in bin collection vehicles or recycling centres. So, make sure you recycle your batteries properly.
Household batteries can be recycled through your weekly recycling collections. Just place them on top of the lid of your blue bin in a clear bag. Please don’t put batteries inside the bin.
Household and other types of batteries can be taken to Summers Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre, one of the other North London Reuse and Recycling Centres or use the electricals recycling locator to find shops or electrical recycling points where you can drop these off.
Large electrical items
Barnet is in the North London Waste Authority Area, which means residents can book a free home collection of large electrical items from Clearabee
You can book a free collection service online or telephone 0330 088 1085
The Clearabee telephone lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
To cancel a booking, you can either reply to the booking email or email Clearabee on info@clearabee.co.uk with your booking reference number.
Small electrical items
Small electrical items can also be taken to the Summers Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre or one of the other North London Reuse and Recycling Centres.
Give away items
There are many websites where you can give away electrical items you no longer need if they are in good working order:
- Barnet Freecycle Group (not run by Barnet Council)
- Freegle
- TrashNothing
- Traid
- Preloved
The person receiving the item may be required to collect the item from the person giving the item away.
Check your waste carrier is licensed
You can check whether a company is registered as a 'carrier of waste' by visiting the Environment Agency online register