Recycling of electrical items

Electrical items contain lead and other toxins which can easily cause contamination to soil and water. This in turn will then have an effect on habitats, wildlife and even humans.

The amount of electrical waste we create per year in the UK alone could fill the new Wembley Stadium six times. That's six stadiums worth of toxic waste.

It is important that we all reuse, repair and then recycle these items instead of just throwing them away. Due to the increase in electrical waste, retailers are encouraged to promote recycling and re-use through government regulations called 'The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations', also known as WEEE.

There are several options available to residents:

• When purchasing a new item, ask if the retailer will take back your old, broken or damaged electrical items
• Take your items, free of charge, to your local recycling and household waste site (leicestershire.gov.uk)
• The Borough Council can arrange to collect large electrical items such as fridges, freezers and household furniture. Charges apply with some concessions. For more details visit our large item collection page
• Small electrical items can be recycled by using the electrical recycling banks around the borough
• Use the bank locator to find where to recycle electrical items around the country: what to do with electrical items (recyclenow.com)

Any questions? Then please contact us - we are happy to help.

Last updated: 03/02/2025 14:46