FAQ
TL;DR: In SE London, skip the tips and source legally: example haul was a 1 kVA UPS still at ~90% capacity; “older through‑hole stuff… gives rich pickings.” Best bets: hamfests, car‑boot sales, estates, and uni disposals. [Elektroda, David Ashton, post #21678086]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps hobbyists, repairers, and vintage‑audio tinkerers find safe, legal, and rich sources of surplus parts in and around SE London.
Quick Facts
- UK council tips are monitored (CCTV/ANPR) and warn against rummaging; removal can breach site rules. [Elektroda, Alan Winstanley, post #21678085]
- Display Electronics once near Crystal Palace; now operating from nearby Thornton Heath for period props. [Elektroda, Michelle OBrien, post #21678084]
- Hamfests (amateur‑radio flea markets) are recurring sources of radios, test gear, and components. [Elektroda, PeterTraneus Anderson, post #21678089]
- Rich harvest: 74LS/HC and CMOS ICs plus DC‑DC converters from retired PABX boards. [Elektroda, David Ashton, post #21678087]
- Low‑cost sourcing: arrive early at car‑boot sales for “junk” electronics bargains. [Elektroda, Chip Fryer, post #21678095]
What are the best places to find surplus electronics in SE London right now?
Prioritize hamfests, early‑morning car‑boot sales, university lab clear‑outs via tech staff, and radio‑estate cleanups. Avoid council tips due to strict rules. Display Electronics now focuses on film‑prop gear in Thornton Heath, not retail scrounging. Network with local hams for leads. [Elektroda, Michelle OBrien, post #21678084]
Is it legal to salvage from UK council tips or kerbside recycling boxes?
Sites often ban removal and use CCTV/ANPR. Councils enforce recycling laws, and taking from kerbside or skips can attract penalties. “Grey suits… gold‑plate” the rules, so treat tips as drop‑off only, not pick‑up. When in doubt, don’t remove. [Elektroda, Alan Winstanley, post #21678085]
Where can I meet people who are offloading vintage radio and parts?
Go to hamfests and befriend local amateur‑radio operators. Estates of retired or deceased hams can release large, mixed lots. One member helped clear a shop and ended up with excess gear. A friendly network multiplies leads. [Elektroda, Elizabeth Simon, post #21678091]
What’s a hamfest, and why do makers love them?
A hamfest is an amateur‑radio flea market where operators trade radios, test gear, antennas, and parts. Prices are realistic, haggling is normal, and sellers know specs. Bring cash, tools, and part lists. “Also try amateur‑radio flea markets.” [Elektroda, PeterTraneus Anderson, post #21678090]
Are car‑boot sales worth it for electronics?
Yes. Arrive early and scan for old test equipment, radios, and CRT sets for spares. Sellers often accept bundle prices. One contributor calls car‑boot visits a strong start for cheap “junk” electronics. Expect varied condition; inspect before buying. [Elektroda, Chip Fryer, post #21678095]
How do I get through‑hole components like 74LS/HC cheaply?
Target retired telecom and PABX boards. They yield 74LS/HC and CMOS ICs, plus isolated DC‑DC modules. Ask contacts in facilities, telecoms, or maintenance to flag decommissioning. Boards beat consumer PCs for discrete parts density. [Elektroda, David Ashton, post #21678087]
Can dumpster diving work in the UK for electronics?
It risks breaching site rules and local laws. Contributors note the UK is heavily regulated and removal without permission can backfire on you. Seek explicit permission or use sanctioned routes instead. Edge case: you may be fined for others’ fly‑tipping. [Elektroda, Alan Winstanley, post #21678088]
Any real‑world example of a valuable find?
Yes: a 1 kVA UPS from a lift refurbishment still operated at about 90% capacity. Commercial gear often uses higher‑grade components than consumer devices, making refurbs worthwhile. Test and replace batteries before load use. [Elektroda, David Ashton, post #21678086]
How do I legally source more gear through radio clubs?
Three‑step plan: 1. Join a local amateur‑radio club and attend hamfests. 2. Volunteer for estate clear‑outs. 3. Offer to haul and sort, leaving sales proceeds to families. This builds trust and steady leads. [Elektroda, Elizabeth Simon, post #21678091]
What’s the deal with Display Electronics near Crystal Palace?
The old shop near Crystal Palace closed years ago. The business continues from nearby Thornton Heath, supplying period electrical gear for film set backdrops. It’s not a rummage venue for hobbyists now. [Elektroda, Michelle OBrien, post #21678084]
Do London high‑street electronics stalwarts like Edgware Road still help?
Older names get nostalgic mentions, but surplus pickings moved to events and private clear‑outs. Consider hamfests and car‑boots instead for hands‑on deals. Ask veteran shoppers about any remaining specialty spots. [Elektroda, Alan Winstanley, post #21678085]
What is ‘dumpster diving’ in this context?
It means checking skips for discarded equipment. One poster notes great finds, but UK rules complicate access. In practice, cultivate industry contacts to redirect scrap before disposal. Always get permission first. [Elektroda, David Ashton, post #21678087]
Can universities or colleges be good sources?
Yes. Science and engineering departments regularly retire lab gear. Build rapport with technicians to reserve items before disposal. Expect mixed lots: instruments, boards, PSUs, and wiring—ideal for spares and learning projects. [Elektroda, David Ashton, post #21678087]
Any risks or gotchas I should plan for?
Legal risks include fines tied to unlicensed waste handling and fly‑tipping, even if someone else dumps it. Operational risks include hidden faults and missing accessories. Keep receipts or permission emails. [Elektroda, Alan Winstanley, post #21678088]
What’s a quick way to expand my parts stash at home?
Audit the gear you already own. One contributor jokes most junk lives on the shelves behind them. Strip non‑sentimental devices for fasteners, switches, IEC inlets, and heatsinks to seed builds. [Elektroda, Mike Hibbett, post #21678096]
