International
E-Waste Day – The Great Cable Challenge
Be part of The Great Cable Challenge and join the millions taking one small action to make a big difference.
Join The Great Cable Challenge for International E-Waste Day!
We’ve all got one of ‘those’ drawers, filled with broken chargers and unused cables.
According to our latest research, in the UK we bin or stash away 627 million cables – enough to go to the moon AND BACK!
But did you know those cables are full of precious copper which, if recycled, could meet the UK’s growing demand of copper needed in our green future?! And with copper becoming more scarce, demand soaring, and the detrimental environmental and social impacts of mining for raw materials – how can we all help? The solution is surprisingly simple; harness what we already have.
Enter The Great Cable Challenge! – a UK-wide challenge to recycle 1 million cables to mark International E-Waste Day. If 1 million of us all recycled one cable, we could save at least 5,000kg of copper from going to waste.
So bag up your old cables – or any old electricals in your ‘drawer of doom’! – ready to recycle this October. Not sure where to start? Check out our handy Cable Guide for more information!
Why are we talking about cables?
And why the copper in those cables is so important.
Cables are full of copper
Cables – including any electrical with a plug, battery or cable – contain some of the planet’s most precious and finite resources, like copper. Copper is a material essential in everyday things that we take for granted – such as our phones, our transport, clean energy, lifesaving medical equipment and our green future.
But we’re currently wasting it
We hold onto or throw more cables than any other electrical item. The average UK home is holding onto an average of 15 cables and bins a further 8, that could be recycled into something new instead. Our latest research found there’s enough copper inside unwanted and binned electricals to fulfil the UK’s annual demand for copper!
Copper is infinitely recyclable
Copper can be recycled over and over and over without losing any of it’s strength. The copper in your old penny could be as old as ancient Egyptians! And recycled copper is actually better for the planet too, as it means we don’t have to mine for new ‘virgin’ copper.
How can you get involved…
Start sorting your cables, ready to recycle this October – we suggest a bag to put them in as you go! If you are from an organisation and want to take part, download our Great Cable Toolkit or take a look at our FAQs for more information.
Who’s involved in International E-Waste Day?
DID YOU KNOW?
Recycling our old electricals could power clean energy
Our research, in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry found that we need 347,000 tonnes of copper to build wind turbines and solar panels for our 2030 targets – and we currently don’t have enough.
A third of this could be produced from the electricals that we’re currently throwing away and holding onto in our homes. Let’s save precious copper from going to waste – dig out your old, unwanted electricals and find your local recycling point!
What is International E-Waste Day? And other questions
What is International E-Waste Day?
International E-Waste Day*, 14 October 2024, (IEWD) is a key moment to raise awareness of electrical waste as the fastest-growing source of waste in the world, and in the UK. Whilst more and more of us are recycling, we need everyone to do it to save precious materials from being lost forever.
Hundreds of countries across the world will unite on 14 October 2024 to tackle the issue. This is a chance to take collective action and deal with those unwanted electricals lying around at home or in the workplace, ensuring they get recycled or go to a new home.
*IEWD was founded by the WEEE Forum, the international association representing producer responsibility organisations. The UK lead member is REPIC Ltd. IEWD is open to any one to participate.
How do I get involved in International E-Waste Day?
Individuals
Join the Great Cable Challenge and take the pledge to help recycle 1 million cables across the UK. Bag them up – and any other old electricals – and use our Locator to find your local donation or recycling points. Help spread the word to your family and friends by sharing on social media with the hashtag #GreatCableChallenge and #EWasteDay!
Partners
We’re looking for local communities, charities, community groups, retailers, schools and universities across the UK who can:
- Set up a pop-up cable collection in their office, community, school or local area; or
- Promote the campaign across their channels
Download our Great Cable Challenge resources today to access:
- A step-by-step guide for setting up a collection, including bin stickers
- Great Cable Challenge schools pack, with assembly presentation and an activity for young people
- Communications toolkit including key messages and social media assets
- Promotional materials including posters, bin stickers, leaflets, email banners, and more
Do I need to only recycle cables for The Great Cable Challenge?
No, you don’t have to only recycle cables! While The Great Cable Challenge focuses on recycling cables, we encourage you to donate or recycle any old, unwanted electricals items – that includes anything with a plug, battery or cable.
By recycling more of these items, you’ll be making an even greater impact. So feel free to donate (if they still work) or recycle all your old electronics and electricals! Check out this page on what you can recycle.
What happens to my electricals after I put them in the recycling bin?
All electricals in a recycling bin will be taken to a recycling centre and sorted. Some might be refurbished and get a second life; others will be broken down into components and valuable raw materials to be used again. Metals and plastics recovered from old electricals can be made into a host of new products, from children’s playgrounds to life-saving medical equipment.
Watch our video on How electricals are recycled.
What do I do with old cables?
You can recycle your cables, and any other electrical item, at your local recycling centre, retailer, community drop-off point, kerbside collection (if you have one) or on-street bring bank. If your cables still work you may be able to take it to a local charity shop (check in-store for more details first).
You can find all your local donation and recycling points on our locator.
