WEEE Regulations, electrical and battery recycling

Why should I recycle?

Unwanted electrical equipment is the UKs fastest growing type of waste.

Many electrical items can be repaired or recycled, saving natural resources and the environment.  If you do not recycle, electrical equipment may end up in landfill where hazardous substances leak out and cause soil and water contamination - harming wildlife and human health.

How do I recycle my defibrillator?

Under the Waste Battery Regulations, defibshop.co.uk are able to recycle your old defibrillator units and parts. You can return your goods to our business premises in person, or send it back to us stating it is to be recycled.

How do I dispose of used or expired electrode pads?

Customers with expired electrode pads are encouraged to keep them for training purposes or return them to us for our own training.

Unused and used electrode pads without blood or other potentially infected materials may be disposed of as you would with normal waste. After disconnecting the pads from the defibrillator unit and before disposing of them, it is recommended to cut the electrode wires to prevent reuse.

How do I dispose of my defibrillator battery?

Defibrillator batteries may be recycled as with any other battery. Most supermarkets and shops that sell batteries have collection bins for used batteries and some town halls, libraries or schools may also set up collection points. End-users may find stores in their local area more accessible. 

PLEASE NOTE: Most supermarkets and shops that sell batteries have collection bins for used batteries.

What is WEEE?

The Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires countries to maximise separate collection and environmentally friendly processing of these items. In the UK, distributors (including retailers) must provide a system which allows all customers buying new electrical equipment the opportunity to recycle their old items free of charge. Those establishing their own take-back scheme must as a minimum, offer all customers buying new electrical equipment free take-back of their old electricals on a like-for-like basis.

To remind you that old electrical equipment can be recycled, it is now marked with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. Please do not throw any electrical equipment (including those marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol) in your bin.

Find more information on WEEE recycling, and locate your local recycling centre, at www.recyclenow.com.