Got an electrical item that’s lost its spark?
By the end of January 2010 facilities will be in place at most Recycling Centres across Highland to recycle all Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Containers will be on-site for the segregation of different types of WEEE, and trained site operatives will be on hand to assist, and ensure items are placed in the correct containers. These facilities will help ensure that hazardous items are diverted from landfill and recyclable components are recovered.
In 2007 new regulations came into force making producers responsible for financing the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of WEEE. There are 5 categories of WEEE, 3 of which have been collected in Highland for some time. The 2 new categories for Highland are small appliances (eg. toasters, shavers and computers) and fluorescent tubes (including energy saving light bulbs) which is great news. It is hoped that householders will take advantage of the new scheme being introduced so soon after Christmas, and use it to recycle old appliances replaced with Christmas gifts. The new facilities should help the Council to meet their recycling rate target of 40% by the end of this year.
What items are classed as WEEE?
- Refrigeration equipment such as fridges and freezers
- Any item with a cathode ray tube, such as televisions and
computer moniters
- Large items such as cookers, washing machines and
dishwashers
- Small items such as hairdryers and DVD players
- Fluorescent light tubes and bulbs, including energy efficient light bulbs
- Battery operated items such as toys and flashlights
If your electrical item is still in good working order don’t forget that New Start Highland and Home Aid welcomes electrical items as donations. These items will provide practical help to individuals in the Highland area who have been without a home and are moving to their own tenancies, as well as those on low incomes. Home Aid cover Caithness and Sutherland, and New Start cover the rest of the Highlands. For more information please visit the New Start Highland or Home Aid websites.
Click here for details of your nearest Recycling Centre, and opening hours. For more information about WEEE please email us at recycle@highland.gov.uk