Electrical waste

Electrical waste from home taken to household waste recycling sites must be separated from other waste. This means that we can make sure that more items can be recycled or disposed of safely rather than being thrown away.

This includes anything that is powered by electricity or batteries, from phones and hairdryers to fridges and washing machines, computers and televisions. Special containers are provided to make sure these items are collected separately.

Where can I recycle electrical waste?

• Household waste recycling sites – accept any electrical waste from home.
• Some recycling/bottle bank sites – can take small electrical items from home like irons, toasters, radios, hairdryers and phones
• Retailer take back schemes – some retailers take back old electrical goods when you buy a new item from them.

Help for businesses

Contact the following companies about their commercial recycling collection service:

• Biffa Waste Services – Phone: 0800 601601
• Pure Planet Recycling – Phone: 01234 315496

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.

• Household waste recycling sites – 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 household waste recycling site.
• More information about disposing of these bulbs can be found on the Recolight website.

Help for businesses

Contact the following companies about their commercial recycling collection service:

• Mercury Recycling Ltd – Phone: 0161 877 0977
• Biffa Waste Services – Phone: 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.

• 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, Lewes – Phone: 01273 476862

Computers

Some organisations accept working computers and monitors for refurbishment provided they meet certain standards:

• Computers for Charities, Hailsham
• Furniture Warehouse – West Kent YMCA
• Computer-Aid
• LoopCR, Ashford
• Household waste recycling sites accept working or broken computers from your own home for recycling.

Help for businesses

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

Mobile phones

• Household waste recycling sites – accept mobile phones for recycling (the sites do not accept mobiles from any business)
• Oxfam – recycling
• Scope – recycle your mobile phone
• British Red Cross – recycling
• Shops – many mobile phone shops accept phones in-store or provide freepost envelopes.

Chemicals

Household chemicals from your own home, except petrol, can be taken in small quantities to your local household waste recycling site. Please make sure they are in a sealed container and clearly labelled. Contact us for advice if you are unable to get to your local site or need to dispose of:

• large amounts of chemicals
• petrol.

Contact us for more information

If you have any questions about waste recycling or disposal, please contact the Waste Team.

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