USED batteries and small electrical items will be easier to recycle in Rugby thanks to a new kerbside collection service.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) is launching the new service on Global Recycling Day (March 18) to help residents dispose of the items safely and keep them out of landfills.
Residents can leave their used batteries and broken electrical items on top of their black refuse or blue-lid recycling bins on their normal bin collection day.
Electrical items must be placed inside a loosely tied carrier bag, and batteries must be packaged separately in their own bag.
Collection crews will collect small electrical items such as mobile phones, remote controls, and small kitchen appliances such as kettles and toasters – but will not accept large electrical items or hazardous waste.
Larger items can be taken to the nearest recycling centre as usual.
Each year, the UK throws away more than 100,000 tons of e-waste, making it one of the fastest growing waste streams, despite around 75 per cent of this being recyclable and containing valuable metals such as gold, copper and lithium.
Proper disposal also helps prevent harmful substances from polluting the environment.
Coun Alison Livesey, RBC’s spokesperson for operations and traded services, said: “I am delighted we are launching this service on Global Recycling Day. Rugby Borough Council is committed to increasing the borough’s recycling rates and improving how we manage our waste.
“By making it easier to dispose of batteries and small electrical items, we are not only protecting our environment but also preventing potential hazards and protecting our bin crews from fires which can be caused by batteries in the general waste.
“Last year, batteries in general waste caused three fires in Rugby’s bin lorries, putting crews and vehicles at risk.
“A new refuse lorry costs hundreds of thousands of pounds, but no amount of money can replace a life.”
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/w/battery-and-electricals-recycling-collections for more information.
