The Renfrewshire Recycles Small Electricals project has unveiled plans for making it easier to save items from the tip.
The project, organised by Renfrewshire Council, launched in libraries on Thursday, November 7, with the hope that 184,340 residents across the community will get behind its drive to recycle electricals.
Local folk will be encouraged to recycle at easily accessible drop-off points at libraries situated throughout Renfrewshire.
The scheme provides opportunities for all by removing barriers to recycling for those who cannot reach a household waste recycling centre.
This is one of over 40 UK projects funded by Material Focus – the not-for-profit group leading the Recycles Your Electricals campaign – which has provided £10,823 to support the project.
The council’s initiative joins other projects around the country in making it easier for 10 million UK residents to recycle their electricals.
Striking bright pink small electrical recycling bins have been installed at 12 centrally-located libraries across Renfrewshire:
■Bishopton Library
■Bridge of Weir Library
■Erskine Library
■Ferguslie Library
■Foxbar Library
■Glenburn Library
■Johnstone Library
■Linwood Library
■Lochwinnoch Library
■Paisley Central Library
■Ralston Library
■Renfrew Library
At each location, small electrical items such as hairdryers, irons and electric whisks can be deposited in the collection bins and small containers will also be provided for the safe disposal of household batteries.
All electrical kitchen appliances being disposed of should be cleaned of any food waste residue in advance or they will not be accepted at the collection points.
The installation of the new collection points, which can be easily reached by the community, is to both encourage an increase in recycling and to shift local behaviour – ensuring that electricals aren’t discarded in general waste.
There are some items which will not be accepted at the drop-off points and should be taken to a local household waste recycling centre. These include:
■Rechargeable items such as smart home devices
■Electrical items that are bigger than a toaster
■Power tools
■Rechargeable vapes
■Laptops
■Phones
■Tablets
Convenor of the council’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board, Councillor Michelle Campbell, said: “We’re delighted to be rolling out Renfrewshire Recycles Small Electricals to libraries across the area.
“By creating drop-off points in the heart of our communities, we will aim to not only expand our recycling capacity but encourage more people to adopt positive behaviours towards recycling these small items by making it easier for them to do so.”
Meanwhile, Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, added: “We are pleased to support Renfrewshire Recycles Small Electricals that addresses the pressing issue of e-waste.
“By investing in improved collection and drop-off services and exploring new recycling methods, we are taking a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future by making it easier for 10 million more people to recycle their electricals.”
To find your nearest recycling point, search recycle your electricals.
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