Council puts the spark into recycling

We’ll soon be able to put out broken or unwanted electrical items for recycling with our green and blue bins.

From 1st April, Stafford Borough Council’s’ refuse and recycling contractor Biffa will collect small electrical items – anything from old kettles and toasters to electronic toys, broken power tools, mobile phones and cameras.

Small waste electrical and electronic goods should be put in a carrier bag and placed alongside the blue or green bins on the relevant collection day. Plugs and cables can be left attached, but domestic batteries should be removed and placed separately inside the bag.

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All refuse vehicles operated on behalf of the borough council are being fitted with a special compartment to hold the items, but as space is limited, only items no larger than 35cmx40cm, about the size of a standard carrier bag, can be taken. Larger electrical items can be recycled at Stone Recycling Centre.

Councillor Frank Finlay, Cabinet member for environment and health, said: “This collection initiative will help families to declutter their homes and protect the environment. Most people I know have broken or obsolete electrical items at home. These shouldn’t be thrown away with general waste as they contain valuable materials that can and should be recycled. This new service means people can get rid of these items when their blue or green bins are collected, knowing that they will be safely and responsibly recycled.”

A leaflet advertising the new service will be distributed later this month with our new recycling and waste collection calendars.