Guidance reviewed 11 October 2026.
Old speakers, amplifiers, televisions and video equipment often remain in offices long after an upgrade. Audio and video recycling gives those electrical items a proper route out of storage. It also helps avoid overlooking batteries and data in equipment that appears to be purely for sound or pictures.
Which AV items count as electrical waste?
Equipment that depends on electricity or electromagnetic fields to work generally belongs in the WEEE stream when discarded. This includes televisions, projectors, powered speakers, amplifiers, mixers, DVD players and many conference systems. Passive accessories can be different, so describe the load rather than putting every stage item into one category.
Screens and batteries need attention
A broken television is not simply a plastic case. Screens can contain materials needing specialist treatment. Rechargeable microphones, remote controls and portable equipment may also contain batteries. Tell the collector about battery-powered items and any damage; do not dismantle equipment or remove built-in batteries unnecessarily.
Could the equipment still contain data?
Some smart displays, recorders, media players and connected equipment store information. Check for storage media, recordings and accounts before clearing them. With Quality Waste, data-bearing media collected through our services are shredded as standard, with a Certificate of Data Destruction included. Tell us which devices contain data so they are not overlooked.
Can working AV equipment be reused?
Safe, suitable equipment may have a reuse route before it becomes waste. Check ownership, data and condition first. Equipment that is faulty or not suitable for reuse needs an appropriate electrical recycling collection rather than general waste disposal.
Clearing an office, venue or storeroom
Quality Waste offers audio and video equipment recycling for UK businesses. A few photos and a rough pallet or item count help us plan a practical collection. Mention heavy equipment, mounted displays or fixed wiring: collection should not be assumed to include specialist disconnection.
Keep loose cables together and avoid breaking screens to save space. Household customers should check council or retailer electrical take-back options.
Further guidance
Business waste guidance. The GOV.UK sources above primarily cover England; check the relevant regulator’s requirements for Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.