From phones and laptops to kettles, cables and games consoles, electricals are part of everyday life in London. But behind the devices we use every day lies a much bigger environmental story.
New research shows that Londoners are buying twice the amount of electricals than they’re getting rid of resulting in a stockpiling of tech in our drawers and cupboards. These electrical items have a bigger environmental impact than many may realise, generating almost 6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime (equivalent to powering 2.1 million UK homes!).
Much of that impact happens long before we switch them on. 92% of emissions are from the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing of products and transport.
Thankfully, one of the best things we can do for the environment is one of the simplest: keep our electricals in use for longer through repair, reuse and recycling.
The greenest electrical is the one you already own
Every time we repair a device, use it for a little longer or pass it on to someone else, we’re helping to reduce demand for new products and the resources needed to make them.
Yet the research found that around one in four electrical items thrown away could still be repaired or reused.
Across London, thousands of perfectly usable electricals are being discarded when they could have a second life in another home.
Repairing, donating and reusing electricals doesn’t just reduce waste. It also helps save money, supports communities and makes the most of the resources already in circulation.
What’s hiding in your drawers?
The average London home contains around 700kg of electricals and electronics. Alongside the items we use every day, many of us are also holding onto old phones, chargers, cables and gadgets stashed away in ‘drawers of doom’, cupboards or lofts.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone!
These forgotten items often contain valuable materials that can be recovered and used again. They may even still work and be suitable for repair, reuse or donation.
A simple declutter can uncover electricals that deserve a second chance.
Repairing our relationship with stuff
Repairing broken electricals isn’t just a great environmental option. Londoners can save £277 a year by repairing items, instead of buying new.
We’re lucky in London to have so many free or low-cost repair options, like community repair cafes and high street repair shops.
A quick internet search will reveal your local options or check our Restart Project’s directory of London-based repair options.
Recycle electricals the right way
When an item has reached the end of its life, recycling it properly is essential.
However, the research found that more than half of electricals thrown away in London are disposed of incorrectly, including being put in household bins or fly-tipped.
Electricals should never go in your rubbish bin. They can cause dangerous fires that put our recycling crews and communities at risk.
Anything with a plug, cable or battery can be recycled. Find your nearest drop off point at Recycle Your Electricals’ site.
Small actions can make a big difference
Whether it’s fixing a broken toaster, donating an old phone or recycling a cable that’s no longer needed, every action makes a difference.
By keeping electricals in use for longer and recycling them at the end of their life, Londoners can help cut carbon emissions, reduce waste and make better use of the stuff already in our homes.
Research on London’s electronic footprint was conducted by ReLondon and The University of Oxford. Read the full report here.
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