Recycling at Ikea - you can also return Allen keys!

PostHoc25

A quick note to say I discovered today that Ikea accept a number of items for recycling in-store. I've been holding onto a low energy bulb for months because locally no-one will accept them but am due a trip to London this week and found this info on their website.

(I also have a small personal electric shaver so will drop that off too and I LOVE that the 20 odd Allen keys I have duplicates of can actually be returned - who knew? Well probably several of you I am sure.

From their website:

This is available in the customer services area of our store

What sorts of waste can you leave with us?

Low-energy bulbs

Batteries

Allen keys

Small electrical appliances *

*We invite you to bring to IKEA, small and large electrical items for responsible recycling. We will accept any small electrical item without purchase of a like for like item. Small items are defined as any electrical and battery powered item where the longest side is no longer than 25cm.

Larger electronic items can be returned for recycling only with a like for like purchase. For example, one existing washing machine can be returned with proof of purchase of a new washing machine from IKEA. Large items can be returned within 28 days of purchase, or of the delivery date if buying online. Larger items are defined as any electronic or battery powered items where one side measures over 25cm in length.

Return and disposal of electrical items is free. Participants are responsible for transporting their WEEE to the designated collection location at the IKEA location. Where available, a collection fee will be applied for IKEA to collect large electrical items.

Will update if I encounter any issues at the Hammersmith branch.

QrizB

That's interesting, thank you!

I knew that Currys would take small electricals without having to purchase a replacement, but it's good to know IKEA will too - plus batteries, low energy bulbs and batteries.

paul991

B and Q accept the same, I think most large stores have to accept batteries lamps ect

MSE_James

B&Q have similar recycling points in their stores

PostHoc25

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81878161#Comment_81878161

Oh cool. Sadly, it costs me £6 of bus fare to reach my nearest B&Q, as I was headed to London anyway, this was handy. In the past I have been stung by a couple of retailers who would only take items if I was buying new from them which sucks. I think I have successfully dropped items off at Curry's in the past too, though.

Went to Ikea today in Hammersmith and was able to leave lightbulb no issues, they also had a box marked batteries which a staff member said I should also put my electricals and there was nowhere set up for Allen keys but another staff member took them from me with no issue - question of course - what did he actually do with them? 😁 They also had a bin marked FABRIC which was pretty broad - do they mean clothes too? offcuts? or old cushion covers/bedding etc.

So it's a good set-up but could do with some tweaking and better signage as it was by the exits which meant doing the whole store of course! Those clever Ikea store layout designers!!