Electrical and electronic equipment

UK stores, with a turnover in sales of electrical equipment of more than £100,000 are required, on a like for like basis, to accept old electrical items in exchange.

This means for example if you buy a new kettle they need to accept your old kettle in exchange. Brand and cost of the old or new item are not relevant as long as you are exchanging like for like. This service must be free of charge in store although costs of transport can be applied for items collected at a point of home delivery.

Your receipt is considered as proof of sale. You will have 28 days to be able to return your old item of likeness.

Larger retailers (with greater than 400 metres squared of floor space) are required to accept any ‘very small’ Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) items regardless of purchase. 'Very small' is defined as a waste electrical item where it’s dimensions in any direction are less than 25cm. As an example, the retailer will be required to accept mobile phones and light bulbs, regardless of whether you have purchased anything.

All eligible retailers are required to offer information on their take back service to customers at the point of sale. Some may offer to take back more than the minimum requirements.

It is up to the retailer where they collect the old items (for example, at the till or a collection desk). Some larger goods may only be able to be returned to specific stores.