Electrical
The Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive aims to significantly reduce the amount of electrical items householders throw out with their rubbish.
Electrical items can be recycled, with any hazardous substances being removed, rather then being sent to landfill sites.
The following types of electrical equipment can be recycled and are included under The Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive:
- Large White Goods - washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, cookers, microwaves and air conditioning units.
- Cooling Appliances - fridges, freezers, other cooling devices (NOT air conditioning units).
- Display Equipment - televisions and computer monitors.
- Lamps - fluorescent lamps and tubes, and energy saving light bulbs.
- Small Electrical Items - video recorders, kettles, toasters and irons.
Why should I recycle electrical items?
Many electrical items such as mobile phones, computers and PDA's contain valuable plastics and metals. Precious finite metals (those that have a more limited supply) include gold, silver, copper and indium (used in liquid crystal displays). These are valuable in the recycling process and can be reused to make new products.
Where to take electrical items for recycling
Household Recycling Centre, Shidas Lane , Oldbury: please keep your electrical items separate and place in the appropriate container at the site, if unsure please ask a site operative when you visit.
Return to retailer: some retailers will take back your old electrical item when you buy a new equivalent replacment item from them - for details of these retailers go to the recycle now website.
Book a collection: contact Community Furniture Service to collect items that are in working order free of charge or book a chargeable (concessions apply) bulky or fridge/freezer collection with the council.
What happens to electrical items that I take to the Household Recycling Centre?
To find out what happens to your electrical items after you have taken them to the Household Recycling Centre for recycling, go to our what happens to your recycling and rubbish webpage.
Find out more about electrical repair, reuse and recycling locations