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What to do with watches and jewellery?

12 Aug 20 1 minute read

Odd earrings, snapped chains and old watches. Do you have jewellery you need to get rid of? Well, it’s ‘time’ to pass them on.  

Household recycling collection

Watches and jewellery can’t be recycled through household recycling collections but some charity organisations offer postal collections...scroll down to ‘other recycling collections’.

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Household waste recycling centre (HWRC)

Watches and jewellery aren’t accepted at household waste and recycling centres.

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Other recycling collections

Watches (and jewellery) are accepted by many charities. They can be recycled or re-sold to raise valuable funds. Always check the list of acceptable items shown on charity bags first - they do vary. 

Alternatively, there are online organisations like 'Recycling for good causes' that accept jewellery and watches (regardless of condition) via the post, for re-sale or recycling to raise funds for national charities and local groups like scouts and brownies.

Recycling facilities exist

What can you do?

  1. Pass on watches or jewellery for free on Freecycle or Freegle, or sell them on websites like Gumtree, eBay and Vinted.  

  2. Try selling your watch at a jewellers or shops such as Cash Converters - especially if it's of high quality or a popular brand

  3. Ask friends and family - it might be just what they were looking for! 

Recycling is constantly evolving and changing so check back for updates or try our recycling locator to find out what you can recycle at home and where you can recycle or pass on unwanted items in your local area.