Croydon achieves successful first year for electrical and electronic waste collection
Press Release Details
- Ref
- 3460
- Date
- Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:05:30
The EC directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) came into force in England on 1 July 2007 with the aim of reducing the amount of waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment. One year on, changes made to help residents have proved successful in bringing the amount of WEEE waste collected in Croydon per head to 4.75 kg - the national target is 4 kg per head of population.
Containers at the council's three Reuse and Recyling Centres, at Factory Lane, Fishers Farm and Purley Oaks, have been increased to make it easier for residents to dispose of items ranging from televisions to electric toothbrushes. These are collected, dismantled and recycled where possible. For example, PC monitors and TVs go to Light Brothers which uses specialist staff and technology to de-pollute, de-manufacture and process equipment.
Croydon Council cabinet member for the environment and highways, Councillor Phil Thomas, said: "These figures are very encouraging but we want residents to recycle even more. Around 90% of an electrical item can be recycled if processed efficiently so it makes sense to use one of our Reuse and Recycle Centres where possible. Alternatively, for a small charge, the council can arrange to collect some items from residents' homes so there really is no excuse not to recycle."
The council charges £15 per visit to collect domestic white goods - ring 020 8726 6200 or visit the website for more details.
Alternatively, the Appliance Reuse Centre (ARC) will collect on behalf of the council and refurbish and guarantee items for sale at its centre at 23 Grafton Road, Croydon, CR0 3RP. Residents can find good quality washing machines, cookers, fridges and freezers, TVs and computers at the centre, which is open from 9am - 4pm weekdays and until 7pm Thursdays. Ring 020 8662 8002 for more details.
Figures from the first year of WEEE collection show that the council collected 9,133 fridges and 5,882 large domestic products such as cookers and washing machines. Over 21,000 TVs and monitors were also collected and - unsurprisingly - collections peaked in the months after Christmas, suggesting residents may have treated themselves or family members to more up-to-date models at that time.
