Where do Laptops and computers go?

A laptop combines the two problems in this file: a lithium battery that must not be crushed, and a drive full of data. Encrypt-and-reset is enough on a modern machine with full-disk encryption; on an older one, overwrite the drive or physically destroy it before the machine goes. Working machines are wanted by refurbishment charities that supply schools and low-income households, which is a far better outcome than shredding. Where it really is scrap, take it whole to a WEEE point rather than salvaging the battery yourself. Whether small electricals are collected at the kerb is a local matter, so check your council list.

How to prepare it

1. Back up, sign out of accounts, then reset or securely erase the drive.
2. Remove any drive you plan to keep, and destroy it if it held sensitive data.
3. Offer working machines to a refurbishment charity.

What not to do

• Never bin a laptop; the battery is a compactor fire waiting to happen.
• Never assume a factory reset alone wipes an old unencrypted hard disk.

Kerbside collection rules genuinely vary by council and county, and local rules always win over general guidance. The reasoning above is what transfers — if your service differs, it will usually be for a reason described here.

Other things that go to shop or manufacturer take-back

• Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) Battery collection point — a supermarket or DIY store box, or the household waste centre. Never the kerbside bin.
• Lithium-ion batteries Battery or WEEE collection point only. A lithium cell in a bin lorry is a fire, not a littering problem.
• Vapes and disposable e-cigarettes A vape shop or supermarket take-back bin. It is electrical waste with a lithium cell inside, not litter.
• Mobile phones Wipe it, then trade it in, donate it or hand it to an electricals take-back point.
• Disposable coffee cups Not the kerbside bin. Take them to a shop cup collection point, or general waste — the lid and sleeve recycle separately.
• Button and coin cells Battery collection point. Tape them first — and keep them away from small children until they go.
• Coffee pods and capsules Brand take-back scheme if aluminium; general waste for most plastic pods. Compostable ones need a food waste collection.
• Rechargeable batteries (NiMH, NiCd) Battery collection point. NiCd cells contain cadmium and are hazardous waste in most jurisdictions.
• Printer cartridges Manufacturer freepost return or a shop collection box. Not the kerbside bin.
• Tyres Tyre fitter or household waste centre, usually for a small fee. They are banned from landfill in the UK and EU.
• Power banks and portable chargers Small electricals collection or a battery take-back point. It is a lithium cell in a plastic shell.
• Propane and patio gas cylinders Back to the supplier or exchange point. Refillable cylinders are almost never yours to scrap.
• Bubble wrap and postal air pillows Soft plastics collection at a supermarket, or reuse it. Not the kerbside bin.
• Toys and gadgets with batteries inside Take the batteries out and deal with them separately; the toy then goes in small electricals. Sealed ones go in whole.