From 1st July 2007 all Essex County Council Recycling Centres for Household Waste will offer recycling facilities for anything electrical or electronic from the home – this means anything that either plugs into the mains or uses a battery.  When you take an electrical item to one of the centres it will either be sent for “reuse” or, if it is not in near-to-working order, for recycling.  Containers or storage areas for electrical items will be clearly marked at the centres but if you are not sure please speak to one of the site staff who will be happy to show you where to put your item.  Look out for the bright pink signs at the centres.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment is called WEEE and includes large items such as washing machines, fridges and electric lawn mowers and smaller items from TVs, music equipment and power tools to battery operated toys and even battery-powered watches.

Some retailers will be offering to “take-back in store” your old “similar” electrical item when you buy a new one or offer to collect larger items from your home – a service for which they could charge.  But some shops will suggest you take your old items to your nearest recycling centre or use Braintree District Council's Special Collection Service, total cost for 6 items including standard and electrical equipment is £23.50.

To find your nearest Recycling Centre for Household Waste click onto http://www.recycle-more.co.uk/  or to find out about Braintree District Council's Special Collection Service please call Customer Contact Centre on 01376 552525.