Can you recycle headphones and earbuds?
Wired headphones are small WEEE; wireless earbuds and their charging cases contain tiny lithium batteries and absolutely must not go in any bin. Take all of them to small-electricals points (recycling centres, supermarket WEEE bins, Currys). Some brands (Apple, Sony) accept them in store take-back.
Tips
- Earbud cases have batteries too — WEEE, not bin
- Apple stores take Apple audio products back
Which bin does it go in?
Small-WEEE point — wireless ones contain batteries
🏭 Find the nearest suitable location
Check booking, proof-of-address and vehicle rules before travelling.
Background: Batteries, vapes & electricals: the fire-risk items.
Also searched as: earbuds, airpods, headsets, earphones.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?