Huge take-up of electricals recycling service in Mid Sussex

A new kerbside collection service of small electrical items and household batteries was launched in late November 2020.

Since the service launch around twelve weeks ago, more than 16 tonnes of unwanted small electricals and 2.8 tonnes of batteries have been collected by contractors Serco.

John Belsey, cabinet member for environment and service delivery, said: “Mid Sussex District Council is delighted that our residents are so engaged with this new kerbside collection service, which has enhanced our existing waste and recycling provision.

“Our huge thanks go to our contractors Serco, who have been extremely supportive of this new venture. We are enormously proud of our collection crews, who have worked tirelessly collecting unprecedented amounts of small electricals under very challenging circumstances.

“There has been a significantly increased demand on our existing rubbish and recycling services during this pandemic, and our collection crews have shown true dedication and professionalism throughout.”

The new service is for broken small electrical household items and used household batteries that can fit in a standard sized carrier bag. Most small electricals, items that have a plug, battery or lead, are accepted but some restrictions apply.

Many electrical items often stop working but could be repaired, they may be unwanted but have re-use value to others, so the council is urging residents to consider re-use and repair options where possible and only use this service for broken electrical items.

There are a growing number of community-led repair cafes within Mid Sussex, run by knowledgeable volunteers who donate their time and expertise for free to help with repairing personal items including electricals.

Residents can find local alternative re-use and recycling options, such as repair cafes and take back schemes, using the recycling locator.

Many have been affected by recent lockdown restrictions, so residents should check availability before use.

Ian Tolley, Serco operations manager, said: “Demand for the service is still exceedingly high at the moment as many households seem to have taken the opportunity to have a spring clean during current lockdown restrictions and visits to household waste recycling sites are currently limited to essential use only.

“The storage cages on our collection vehicles are filling up fast, therefore if residents find their collection has been missed we are asking them to bear with us and store their items until their next scheduled rubbish collection or to wait a few weeks for demand to even out. Please remember ‘little and often’ so everyone can benefit.”

For more information on this new collection service and answers to frequently asked questions visit the household small electricals page.