Forum Topic

Defunct electrical goods

We seem to have an increasing amount of electrical stuff which has conked out.  Currently this includes a printer/scanner/copier (with unused ink cartridges), an electric kettle and various mobile phones, e.g. a Nokia and a Blackberry (remember them?!).  I can't find anywhere interested in these.  Some may be repairable, some not and I don't want them to end up in landfill if that can be avoided.Have tried Freecycle (the kit still has to work), Freegle (ditto), Red Cross (ditto), Rework (white goods only).Any suggestions?

Jonathan Callaway ● 2843d8 Comments

Unfortunately it's often cheaper to buy new than repair. Best option is to take it to the dump to be recycled. In the case of printer's you can bu them for around £30. You'd pay more that for a technician to 'look at it' for repair.Pretty sure there's legislation to ensure electrical goods have any precious/rare metals retrieved or dangerous elements disposed of safely so environmentally it might be the best option. Less hassle too at the end of the day.

Freddie Francis ● 2843d

"Unfortunately it's often cheaper to buy new than repair."Not only cheaper to replace, but also made impossible to repair anyway, by design. As the son of a practical bloke, this is one of the most dispiriting developments of my lifetime. Stuff designed to be landfilled needs to be heavily taxed."Best option is to take it to the dump to be recycled."Smuggler's Way has areas to put all sorts of materials in. At least there is some hope that the items may be recycled in some form, and not burned or buried.

David Ainsworth ● 2843d

Because it's rarely worth paying for repairs, it means there is rarely a downside to opening up stuff to see if it can be repaired.I'm pretty handy and I'd say my success rate is over 50%, using cheap parts now easily available online

Sean Hodges ● 2842d

Jonathan, there's a section at Smuggler's Way, right at the end. I think it's the last section before you leave where you can leave electrical items that, with some TLC, will probably work again. They repair and upcycle them. Also some furniture and bikes and things like that.

Victoria Diamond ● 2841d

In Hammersmith & Fulham there are now bins in the streets for small electrical recycling.  I passed one just off the Fulham Road before Munster Road the other day.  The items don't have to work.https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/recycling/small-electrical-items-recycling

Adrian Pearce ● 2841d

That’s a good idea.  We have loads of cables and I wondered where I could take them?

Martine Guy ● 2841d

Sean, if you want to take my deceased copier/printer/scanner away with the unused ink cartridges just send me a message.Thanks to all for their suggestions.  Looks like all this kit is heading for Smugglers Way.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2840d

Hi there. From the Wandsworth council website:'For non-repairable WEEE items:Recycle them for free at any Currys PC World store Take them to the Household waste and recycling centre at Smugglers Way to the dedicated WEEE recycling bay, orBook a bulky waste collection for large WEEE items.'http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/site/custom_scripts/recyclinga-z/index.php?directoryID=55&keywords=electrical&selectkeywords=&search=Search

Stewart Hunter ● 2840d