Temporary electronic recycling container opens

A council is encouraging people to recycle unwanted electrical items in the lead-up to Christmas.

Located at Stroud District Council's headquarters at Ebley Mill, the temporary Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) container will be in place until 24 December.

The accepted items, such as kettles, hairdryers, laptops and electronic toys will then be broken down, shredded and separated into individual materials to be reprocessed into new products.

However, Councillor Chloe Turner, chair of Stroud District Council’s environment committee, said people should consider reselling, donating to charity or repairing items before recycling.

"The WEEE collection point at Ebley Mill - alongside Pyke Quarry Household Recycling Centre and larger shops selling electrical items - can then be used as a last resort," she added.

People are being reminded to remove batteries before recycling the items.

The scheme is part of the UK-wide campaign, Recycle Your Electricals led by the not-for-profit organization Material Focus. It aims to make it easier for everyone to reuse and recycle unwanted electricals.

Vapes and electronic cigarettes cannot be deposited due to fire risks but items such as radios and computer keyboards are welcome.

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