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You can now recycle your old electricals with us

If you’re buying a new electrical item from us (or a science kit that contains an electrical item), we will recycle your old one for free.

Why recycle?

Unwanted electrical equipment is the UK’s 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 will end up in landfill where hazardous substances will leak out and cause soil and water contamination harming wildlife and also human health.

What can I do with my unwanted electrical items?

Your unwanted electrical equipment can be passed on to others (if still in good working condition). Some charity shops and other organisations will accept them to sell on and/or refurbish, or you can offer them for free via websites such as Freecyle. If your unwanted electrical item is in very good condition you can sell it online or at a shop such as CeX. If the item doesn’t work any more or is in poor condition, you can hand it in to a retailer as part of a take-back scheme (like ours! See below) or take it to your local recycling centre. Your local council’s website will list what items are and are not accepted at different recycling centres near you. Read more about what to do with unwanted electrical items here.

We can help

We are pleased to offer our customers the chance to recycle their old electrical items when purchasing a new item from us. Please email team@letterboxlab.com for details on how to return your WEEE items to us.

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.

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.

Which of our products contain EEE?

Currently, three of the science kits that we sell contain EEE:

  • Investigate 2: Science up your Sleeve (finger torches)
  • Investigate 5: Let it Glow (UV torch)
  • Explore 5: Go with the Glow (UV torch)

Is Letterbox Lab a producer or distributor of EEE?

We don’t manufacture electronics, but we do resell electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) under our own brand, so we are registered as a small producer of EEE. Our producer registration number is WEE/HA5612UY.

We sell these EEE directly to consumers, so we are also distributors, and therefore offer the like-for-like take-back scheme as described above.