Council plugs new electrical recycling facilities

11.54.58am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 13th Jul 2007

Improved recycling facilities allowing residents to recycle and dispose of all electrical waste have been unveiled by Richmond Council.

The Reuse and Recycling Centre in Townmead Road, Kew, has accepted kitchen appliances, batteries and other electrical equipment for some years. In response to a new EU directive, which came into force this month, all household electrical or electronic items can be taken to the centre where they will be safely disposed of or recycled. The EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive means manufacturers of these products have to pay for their disposal or recycling. Distributors must also allow consumers to return their waste equipment free of charge. It aims to reduce the impact of the products on the environment and divert waste away from landfill. Manufacturers will pay towards the recycling facilities in the borough.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "Electrical waste is growing significantly as gadgets and computers are now part of every day life and it's often cheaper to throw them away than pay for repairs. The average person changes mobile phone every 18 months and buys a new computer every three years. Much of this waste goes straight to landfill and has a devastating impact on the environment, when it could be broken down and sent for recycling. The new facilities at Townmead Road allow residents to recycle all of their electrical or electronic goods, from fridge freezers and washing machines to hairdryers and mobile phones."