How should someone in London dispose of a printer?

January 26, 2009 2:12 PM

Trying to get rid of a printer, some battery packs and an old PDA, without simply throwing them in the black bag. How does one recycle electronics ethically in London?

Previous answers to this question seem to deal with USA only, and I live in London. The options I have found apply only to businesses and industry junking stuff in bulk. I can't find advice on my council website (Kensington and Chelsea). I know they take little batteries, but not the power pack kind. I would rather not spend money if possible because I am but a poor graduate living with me Mam.

The printer is broken and much hated, the PDA is ancient. I don't know if anyone would take these as donations.

I think the law says you can take electronics back to the shop that sold them to you now? The printer is from 2003, I can't remember where my Mum bought it from and I don't have a receipt. These things are starting to clutter my life and I wish to be rid of them, please help me!

posted by marmaduke_yaverland to technology (5 comments total)

Try listing them in your local freecycle. Hopefully someone will want them and arrange to take them off your hands.

There are also a handful of charities and businesses that will be happy to take single items from you, assuming you're happy for someone else to make some profit from your donation.

That said, broken electronics are often quite expensive to repair and/or recycle due to small, specialist parts and various nasty chemicals used in the manufacture of circuitry. Your local tip will have a dedicated electronics section and will minimise the pollution caused by throwing your stuff away if no-one will take it.
posted by metaBugs at 2:31 PM on January 26 [1 favorite has favorites]

Following the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive you are not allowed to just throw it out. Lambeth come and pick that stuff up if you ask, but apparently in Kensington and Chelsea you're expected to do your own dirty work and take it to Smugglers Way.
posted by cluck at 3:39 PM on January 26

Smugglers Way
* Monday - Friday 9am-4pm
* Saturday 8am-6pm
* Sunday 8am-5pm.
Very busy at weekends.
posted by Dr.Pill at 12:44 PM on January 27

The tip at Battersea / Nine Elms might be closer to you depending on where you are in Chelsea. But proably worth ringing the council to see if they will pick it up.
posted by laukf at 2:32 PM on January 27

Got in touch with council, who just sent a leaflet with details, and it seems I have to haul my (car-less) arse out to near Battersea power station with printer in tow. Not best pleased - but then again, waste and recycling collection here is superb compared to Bristol, where I used to live. Anyhow, thank you for your help!
posted by marmaduke_yaverland at 4:02 PM on January 29