Old toasters, kettles, televisions and computers are among the household appliances that will be collected free of charge in Bideford as part of an electrical waste amnesty day at the town’s cattle market on Thursday, 19 January, from 7.30am-2.30pm.
Torridge District Council has teamed up with Tor homes, local social enterprise company Pluss and metals recycling company SIMS to collect, sort and recycle waste, electronic and electrical equipment.
Businesses operating in Bideford are being urged to contact Pluss to arrange a free pick up of their waste. In addition, a collection point is being set up for council staff to bring their waste to work on the day.
Tor homes are notifying residents at their larger housing schemes in Bideford to phone in and take advantage of the free collection service.
Lesley Browne, Community Development worker at Tor Homes, set up the initiative to help residents dispose of unwanted electrical items responsibly as post-Christmas is often a time when appliances are upgraded or replaced and finding additional money to arrange for disposal of bulky items like washing machines and cookers is difficult.
She said: “As a social landlord we are aware that many of our residents will struggle to pay for bulky waste collection, which makes it difficult to dispose of unwanted items. Often, offers of help to take items to recycling centres from less reputable sources result in unsightly fly-tipping, which is costly to the council and to us.
“This is a great opportunity for a partnership approach to resolve inappropriate disposal of electrical items – and everyone benefits as a result.”
Councillor Chris Leather, Torridge District Council Lead member for Waste and Recycling, said: “There’s never been a better time to have a spring clean and get rid of any unwanted electrical items. Almost anything that runs on batteries or has a plug will be accepted, the only exception being fridges, freezers and car batteries.
“Ensuring domestic electrical waste items are recycled not only benefits the environment but also makes economic sense, as it saves us money on collection costs. In the current climate, every saving we can make is worthwhile and will help protect the frontline services which are most important to our customers.
“I would encourage every business in Bideford to get in touch to organise their free collection. I hope that all staff at the council get involved and suggest they ask their friends and families for any items that don’t need any more, so that can they can bring items in and get them recycled on their behalf.
“It is hoped that if the amnesty day is a success it will be rolled out to other locations in Torridge.”
Michael Crompton-Holgate, Enterprise Manager for Pluss Torbay, said: "It's been great to see the interest that our waste, electronic and electrical equipment collection and recycling service has received since our launch in February last year.
“The partnership between Pluss and SIMS metal management gives people the opportunity to get behind a local social enterprise whilst ensuring their collection does not add to landfill.”
For more information and to arrange a collection, please contact Mr Crompton-Holgate at Pluss on 01803 520386 or email WEEE.recycleITright@pluss.org.uk
