Call for a ‘WEEE’ bit of recycling

Whether it’s the latest must-have gadget for the children or a new gizmo for the kitchen, Christmas will see a huge surge in the number of small electrical goods bought for the home.

However three quarters of old electrical items such as MP3 players, kettles, cameras and coffee makers will end up in landfill. While an estimated 1.3 million electrical items will be thrown away in 2012.

A campaign is being launched today, Boxing Day, which shows the benefits of recycling and helps the public find their nearest recycling point. The Government is backing the industry led campaign and calling on people to recycle their old electronic goods.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said:“At this time of year more than ever, old unwanted electronics often get consigned to the bin or the back of a cupboard. That’s why now is the right time for a campaign, which reminds people about recycling their old electrical and electronic equipment and shows them how easy it can be.

“Whether it’s an old MP3 player, an unwanted set of hair straighteners or even a broken novelty Christmas decoration, rather than just leaving them in the cupboard or throwing them out, it’s much better for everyone if you recycle them. That’s why the Government is backing this industry led campaign.

“Recycling is not only good for the environment, it’s safer too as harmful chemicals aren’t sent to landfill. It also creates an opportunity for our businesses to take advantage and create jobs and growth that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

Recycling Minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach said:“The old electricals we think are just destined for the scrap heap are packed with precious materials and rare metals that are worth a fortune if they are recycled properly. The amount of palladium we expect to be chucked out over the next few years from old computers, tvs and electrical alone could be worth more than £1billion. These are resources that won’t last forever and we simply cannot afford to waste them.

“I challenge everyone to make a new year’s resolution to do the right thing with their old electricals and stop these precious materials going to landfill.”

The campaign centres around an advert showing how waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) diverted from landfill is sent for recycling and eventually contribute to new products. It is hoped that this WEEE recycling campaign will help prevent householders from throwing small electrical items, such as kettles, hair dryers and other smaller products, into their waste bins and help to ensure that more waste electronic items are recycled in the future.