The initiative encouraged the recycling of small electricals, such as mobile phones, tablets, kettles, and toasters, provided they were smaller than a microwave. The pilot scheme has now concluded, and West Suffolk Council has confirmed that the collection and recycling of small electricals will persist across the district.
The success of the pilot demonstrates the local community's dedication to recycling small electricals when accessible recycling methods are provided. Eighteen collection bins were installed at existing mini recycling centres and in prominent car park locations in Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Newmarket, and Red Lodge, simplifying the recycling process for residents.
Awareness campaigns, featuring Hypnocat, the mesmerising pink mascot of the Recycle Your Electricals campaign, ran alongside the pilot. These consistent social media reminders helped highlight that any item with a plug, battery, or cable could be recycled and repurposed.
West Suffolk Council participated in one of 80 pilot schemes nationwide, funded by Material Focus, the organisation leading the national ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign. This initiative aims to reduce e-waste and its environmental impact by making electrical recycling more accessible for consumers across the UK.
Research by Recycle Your Electricals indicates that 80 per cent of consumers view recycling positively, with many already recycling materials like paper and plastic. The research also revealed that most households have unwanted electrical items stored away, with an average of 30 items per home in the UK. Many of these could be repaired, donated, or sold, yet 39 per cent of people dispose of electricals in general waste, contributing to over 100,000 tonnes of electrical waste annually.
Cllr David Taylor, Cabinet Member for Operations, stated: “The council remains committed to cutting waste and ensuring West Suffolk continues to be a clean and thriving place to live. The introduction of the electrical recycling points has given residents an easy and convenient way to safely recycle unwanted electrical items and appliances. The initiative has benefitted our local community while also contributing to the environmental resilience of the district.”
Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, commented: "The electrical recycling campaign has proven that small electrical recycling is important to the area and its residents. We are delighted with how engaged and supportive the local community has been and how the investment from the Electrical Recycling Fund has enabled such a huge number of items to be recycled by this pilot. As e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream, we hope to continue to see a rise in the amount of electricals recycled across the UK.”
Residents can find their nearest recycling point by visiting Recycle Your Electricals - Home.
