The Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

Why you should recycle

Because of certain materials used in electronic equipment, throwing out old electronic devices with regular garbage can hurt the environment and even your health. Because of this, the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires that these devices have the above symbol. The symbol reminds people not to throw away items, such as unsorted waste.

EU Member States are also required to hit high levels of collection of these devices for safe disposal. The success of this policy depends on the active contributions of people like you.

So, before you toss your old phone or computer or other device, think for a moment. Could you reuse it? Recover it? Turn it into a sculpture? By extending the life of your device, or by taking it to a facility for proper disposal, you’ll reduce waste and help the EU meet its goals.

Recycle your old devices with Google

Check by region

From the dropdown menu, select an option to check relevant information for your country or region.

Learn about Google waste management

Google tries to ensure that our products are sustainable. We can help you responsibly recycle your Google products, as well as other brands of electronics at no charge.

How Google’s waste management program for electronics works

• The Google Store works with a third-party recycling partner who only accepts used electronic devices that match a device that Google manufactures. You can return up to 3 old devices at no charge.
• When you use this program, you tell the Google Store that you are the lawful owner of the old devices and have the right to recycle them.
• Before you send any devices to our third-party recycling partner, make sure that you:
  1. Save or transfer data of any kind.
  2. Delete all data from the hard drive or any other storage media.
  3. Remove any storage media and SIM cards.
  4. Remove any accessories, such as covers or screen protectors that you want to keep.
• Once our third-party recycling partner receives your old devices, they become the property of the recycling partner. You won't be able to get them back if you change your mind after the recycling partner has received them.

EU WEEE Directive compliance

Selective treatment by reuse & recycling facilities

In accordance with Annex VII in the EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU, Google has identified the substances, mixtures, and components that have to be removed from separately collected WEEE associated with Google branded consumer hardware devices. Reuse and recycling facilities shall ensure that these identified substances, mixtures, and components are disposed of or recovered in compliance with Directive 2008/98/EC. Reuse/recycling facilities can request information about the identified substances, mixtures, and components requiring removal by sending an email to [e-mail].

Send your devices to be recycled

To recycle your old devices, follow the steps below:

1. Request a shipping label at no additional charge. Our third-party recycling partner sends a postage-paid shipping label to your email inbox.
   • Europe: Request a shipping label from ERI.
2. Check with your manufacturer for data removal instructions.
3. Place your device in a sturdy box and attach the label. 
4. Follow the shipping instructions. You can also drop it off at a collection site near you. 
5. Enjoy peace of mind. Your device will be responsibly recycled.