What to do with foreign or old coins?
We’ve all got those old and foreign coins hidden away in a drawer just sitting there and let’s face it, they probably aren’t going to get used, are they?
Household recycling collection
Not collected with household recycling.
Household waste recycling centre (HWRC)
Not accepted at household waste recycling centres.
Other collections
Generally, banks or foreign exchange won’t accept coins, but there are lots of other options:
- Try taking them to your local charity shop as many charities accept old and foreign coins to help raise valuable funds.
- Oxfam shops accept stamps, coins, banknotes and other collectable items like medals and badges.
- Using Coinstar's Coins That Count programme, you can turn your loose change and coin collections into donations by using a machine in your local shop. Find a machine to donate your coins.
- Donate coins at your post office to Barnardo’s or M&S bureau de change to Breakthrough breast cancer.
- Donate foreign coins on your return flight from holiday. Many airlines participate in UNICEF’s Change for Good program, which collects spare currency from passengers on international flights.
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.