A survey from ComputerHub Recycling has found that two-thirds of people in the UK don’t know where to recycle their tech, leading to old electronics in landfill or cluttering up cupboards.

Research from ComputerHub Recycling has shed light on the UK’s huge electronic waste problem. Currently, the country throws away 1.45 million tonnes of old electronics a year. And the e-waste mountain is only rising.

But as the survey from CHR shows, the problem is that people aren’t sure where or how to recycle their old tech, with over two-thirds (68%) admitting they have no idea how to dispose of it.

This has led to almost a third of people (32%) binning items that still work. Meanwhile, almost a quarter (24%) hold onto unwanted tech rather than chuck it out: 527 million tonnes of unused tech is hoarded in British homes.

Londoners are some of the worst affected, with almost a third of capital-dwellers living with old electronics they don’t know how to dispose of safely.

CHR also surveyed respondents on the broken tech most likely to be in their homes. Mobile phones came out on top, with headphones and laptops following. Kitchen counter appliances such as kettles, toasters and blenders also featured prominently.

Ways to recycle your old tech

First off, you may be able to sell your old tech on a specialist site or a Facebook group. But if not, there are plenty of recycling options:

• If you’re in the US, many charities accept used electronics.
• In the UK and want to donate to charity? Try the ComputerHub Recyclling.
• If you’re in the UK, Call CHR, 07501241137
• Donate to someone in your neighbourhood, using our expertise

For decluttering strategies and more ideas on what to do with your unwanted tech, check out 16 ways to repurpose your it equipments.