On other websites…

• Environment agency – electrical waste directive

Electrical and hazardous waste

Of all waste types, electrical waste is growing the fastest. Much of this can be recycled.

Since 2007 retailers and manufacturers have been responsible for dealing with electrical goods once they become waste. They are encouraged to make longer lasting, repairable and recyclable electrical goods as well as pay for more recycling sites for consumers.

Some electrical retailers accept unwanted goods from customers at their stores for recycling.

WEEE regulations

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) must now be separated from other types of household waste, at our recycling sites. Find out more about the new regulations about WEEE.

Fluorescent tubes and energy saving bulbs

These contain small amounts of mercury, which is a hazardous waste and should not be placed in your dustbin .

• Your local household waste recycling site (HWRS) – all sites (except Uckfield Sunday mobile site) accept tubes and energy saving bulbs from home for recycling.
• If you break an energy saving bulb, open a window for 15 minutes, put the broken glass into a sealed plastic bag and take to your local HWRS.
• More information about disposing of these bulbs can be found on the Recolight website.

Help for businesses

Contact the following companies about their recycling collection service:

• Mercury Recycling Ltd – Tel: 0161 877 0977
• Biffa Waste Services – Tel: 0800 601601

Fridges and freezers

By law all CFC gases used in refrigeration equipment has to be removed and destroyed before the main unit is recycled or disposed of. For more about these regulations see the Dept for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website.

• Household waste recycling sites – accept fridges and freezers from your own home for recycling free of charge.
• Your local Borough or District Council may collect and recycle bulky items from your home or business (there is a charge for this service).

Help for businesses

The following companies may also be able to provide a recycling service:

• MDJ Light Bros Ltd – Tel: 01273 476862 (Lewes)
• SITA – Tel: 01323 763494 (Eastbourne)

Computers

Some organisations accept working computers and monitors for recycling, provided they meet certain standards.

• Your local recycling site – accept working or broken computers (from your own home only) free of charge. They may or may not be recycled.
• Computers for Charities (Hailsham)
• Furniture Warehouse – West Kent YMCA
• Oxfam
• Computer-Aid
• Regional Electronics Initiative
• Tools for Schools

Help for businesses

Try the organisations listed above. Alternatively, try your supplier as many provide a take-back service.

Mobile phones

• Your local household waste recycling site
• Oxfam – Bring Bring scheme
• Scope – recycling
• Help the Aged – recycling
• British Red Cross – recycling
• Shops – many mobile phone outlets accept phones in-store or provide freepost envelopes. These include the network providers, Curry, Comet, Dixons, The Link, Argos and PC World.

Chemicals

Household chemicals, except mercury and petrol, can be taken in small quantities to your local HWRS (except Uckfield mobile). Contact us for advice if you are unable to get to your local HWRS or need to dispose of:

• large amounts of chemicals
• mercury
• petrol.

Contact us for more information

If you have any questions about waste recycling or disposal, please contact our Waste Management team.

The details given above in no way imply a recommendation or endorsement by the County Council.