Taking back old electrical goods in shops
For in-store take-back, accept equivalent-function old electricals regardless of brand, free of charge, and allow at least 28 days. Check whether your electrical sales area triggers free very-small-item acceptance without a purchase, subject to exemptions. Cambridge China Bridge helps buyers prepare electrical sourcing specifications.
Give staff the shop's agreed procedure
Keep a counter instruction showing the shop's take-back arrangements, acceptance point and manager contact. Ask whether the customer is handing over an old item for recycling or asking for help with a faulty purchase, so staff use the appropriate procedure.
This guide covers counter decisions. Use our WEEE importer guide for producer responsibilities and our electrical imports guide for product compliance.
Match function, regardless of brand
Under the in-store service, take back waste of the same type as the item bought from you, including equipment with the same function. Another brand is acceptable. The guidance gives an old kettle exchanged when buying a new kettle, and a video player returned when buying a DVD player, as examples.
Ask what the old item does and what replacement the customer bought. Do not make matching logos or model names an acceptance condition. Refer unfamiliar combinations to the manager with a description of both products.
Allow the return window and explain charges
Give customers at least 28 days to bring back the waste item. In-store take-back must be free; collection from a customer's home can carry a charge covering transport costs.
Tell the customer where to bring the item and the shop's agreed return deadline. Record the replacement purchase and the deadline in your counter notes. Avoid telling customers they must bring the old appliance at the moment they buy its replacement.
Check the no-purchase route
Very small waste electrical equipment has a longest side of less than 25cm. If the electrical and electronic equipment sales area is greater than 400 square metres, including aisle, display and shelf space, the shop must accept all such items free from everyone without a purchase. The guidance provides exemptions for Distributor Take Back Scheme membership or an assessment showing an effective system already exists.
Have management confirm the relevant sales area and any applicable exemption before writing the staff instruction. For this route, measure the item's longest side when uncertain. Staff should not ask the customer to buy something to qualify.
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Prepare the handover
Keep the acceptance point clear and label the collection containers. Ask staff to flag broken glass, leaks or damaged batteries to the manager before moving the item. Agree a handling procedure with your waste contractor rather than improvising at the till.
Use a handover note with the item description, acceptance route and any handling concern. For the next stage, see our electrical waste classification guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do shops have to take back other brands?
Yes, under the in-store service, brand does not determine acceptance. Match the old item's type or function to the replacement bought from you.
How long do customers have to return old electricals?
Give customers at least 28 days to bring back the waste item. Put the shop's agreed deadline and acceptance point in the staff instruction.
Can customers recycle small electricals without buying?
Yes, where the electrical sales area exceeds 400 square metres and no exemption applies. Accept items whose longest side is less than 25cm, free without a purchase.
Can a shop charge for electrical take-back?
In-store take-back must be free. You may charge to cover transport costs when collecting items from customers' homes.