Solar Panel Recycling & PV Collections Across the UK
We collect and recycle solar panels from anywhere in the UK. Through our ROSI partnership, the silicon, glass and metals inside each panel are returned to manufacturing.
Overview
What is Solar Panel Recycling?
Solar panel recycling is the compliant route for photovoltaic panels at the end of their working life. Under UK law, solar panels are classed as electrical waste (WEEE Directive, Category 14), so businesses have a legal duty to dispose of them through an authorised route rather than a skip or landfill. Getting this wrong can result in fines and failed audits. We accept all panel types - monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film - along with inverters, connectors and associated circuitry.
When Businesses Need Solar Panel Collection
Solar panel decommissioning and solar farm repowering, commercial roof replacements, storm damage disposal, end-of-warranty upgrades, construction clearances with PV, solar battery and inverter replacement, and ongoing programmes for installers managing returns.
Explainer
Why Solar Panel Recycling Matters
The UK's first wave of solar installations - dating back to the early 2000s - is now reaching the end of its 25-30 year lifespan. Industry estimates put UK solar panel waste at around 30,000 tonnes over the next decade, and 8 million tonnes globally by 2030. Recycled properly, panels stay out of landfill and their materials go back into manufacturing.
Why Waste Experts
Why Choose Waste Experts for Solar Panel Recycling?
Our fleet handles collections from a single panel to a full solar farm clearance, anywhere in the UK. We also take the rest of the system: solar batteries and battery storage under ADR-compliant transport, inverters, cabling and high-voltage equipment, so a solar panel decommissioning project runs through one partner and one audit trail.
Compliance You Can Evidence
We keep every waste stream fully compliant with clear Duty of Care, the right routes, and audit-ready paperwork.
One Partner, Less Admin
One provider, one invoice, one set of paperwork, however many sites you run.
Nationwide Reliability
Planned collections across the UK, so waste never becomes a storage problem.
Reporting That Proves Progress
Weights, streams, documents and CO2 saved, in one place when the auditor asks.
- Up to 95% material recovery from end-of-life panels
- ROSI partnership for high-purity material extraction
- All PV panel types accepted nationwide
- Solar farm decommissioning capability
- Full WEEE compliance documentation
Local Drop-off Points
Over 390 CEF branches act as drop-off points for business customers. We do not accept waste from households.
Waste Storage
Our Range of Containers for Electrical, Lamp & Battery Waste
Explore our compliant on-site storage solutions for e-waste, lamps and batteries. Designed for safe handling and secure transport.
How It Works
How Our PV Panel Recycling Process Works
Our service includes collecting solar panels from any location across the UK. Once collected, the panels are transported to ROSI's facility, where advanced technology ensures the recovery of materials at a purity level suitable for reuse.
Step 01
Book a Collection or Container Delivery
Fill out a quick form to let us know what waste you have and we'll sort the rest.
Step 02
We Collect and Process Your Waste
Either ourselves or a supplier will collect all your waste, and process this in-house.
Step 03
We Provide All Necessary Documentation
Complete compliance and Duty of Care with every order we complete for peace of mind.
Service Details
What to Expect
PV Recycling Regulations and Compliance
PV panels fall under Category 14 of the WEEE coverage guidance. They must be collected by licensed carriers and treated at authorised WEEE facilities. We manage all the compliance requirements and documentation.
Solar Panel Recycling Costs
Depends on the number and type of panels, your location, and whether it's a one-off or ongoing programme. Phased removals available for solar farm projects. Transparent pricing after assessment.
Solar Panel Recycling Across the UK
UK-wide. Our fleet covers everything from inner-city vans to articulated lorries for large solar farm clearances. Multi-site programmes fully supported.
Industries
Industries We Serve for Solar Panel Recycling
Renewable energy operators, solar farm owners, property managers, construction contractors, roofing companies, electrical contractors, local authorities, and facilities management. Any scale, any location.
Public Services
Supporting secure sites nationwide
Education
Trusted by schools and universities
Industrial
Built for complex waste streams
Facilities Management
One partner across every site
Manufacturing
Keeping production sites compliant
Renewables
Purpose-built for solar and HV waste
What Our Customers Say
Feedback from the businesses and partners we work with across the UK.
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Are Solar Panels Classed as WEEE in the UK?
Yes - PV panels are classed as EEE, and GOV.UK lists them under Category 14: PV panels in the WEEE coverage guidance. This affects how PV panels are handled and reported under producer obligations.
Do You Offer Solar Panel Recycling Near Me?
Yes. We provide UK-wide collections for PV panels, including single-site collections and multi-location programmes for installers, estates, and renewables operators.
Can You Support Solar Farm Decommissioning and Bulk Panel Collections?
Yes. We can coordinate logistics for bulk PV panel recycling, including phased removals where required, to keep your project moving and reduce site disruption.
What Types of Solar Panels Do You Accept?
We can support collections for monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film PV panels (and will advise on packaging/handling for mixed loads).
What Documentation Will We Receive for PV Panel Recycling?
You’ll receive compliance documentation such as waste transfer notes and supporting records for audit trails and Duty of Care.
Do You Recycle Solar Batteries and Inverters?
Yes. We collect solar batteries, battery storage units and inverters alongside panels or as a separate collection. Lithium-ion units move under ADR-compliant transport in fire-safe containers. Inverters typically fail at 10 to 15 years, well before the panels around them, so many sites need this long before a full decommission.