Shops must take small used electrical goods for free

Large electrical retailers are now obliged to take small used electrical appliances free of charge from consumers — even if they have not bought a new item at the shop.

Goods such as kettles, power tools, electric toothbrushes, and battery-operated toys that are less than 25cm in size can now be handed over to electrical stores that are over 400sqm in size.

This change is part of updated waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations which are attempting to decrease the number of fridges, washing machines and other electrical goods that are incorrectly dumped.