E-Waste recycling doubles in North Tyneside as residents lead the way

A new project aimed at reducing the environmental impact of old electrical items has successfully doubled recycling rates in North Tyneside.

North Tyneside Council has praised residents for their incredible support of the Recycle Your Electricals project, which saw the installation of over 40 electrical recycling banks and 25 vape recycling points in 2023.

In just six months, the scheme has collected more than 6.5 tonnes of small electrical items—twice the amount recycled last year—equivalent to saving 3,000 toasters from incineration. Additionally, around 6,000 vapes have been recycled instead of ending up in general waste.

Councillor Carl Johnson, North Tyneside’s Deputy Mayor, said: “We’re delighted to see how residents in North Tyneside have embraced the project.

“By doubling the amount of e-waste recycled, our community is playing a crucial role in reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future.

“Every small electrical item recycled helps reduce the environmental impact, and we encourage everyone to keep up the fantastic effort.”

The scheme is one of over 40 UK projects funded by Material Focus, the not-for-profit organisation leading the Recycle Your Electricals campaign. North Tyneside is joining other projects around the country in making it easier for 10 million UK residents to recycle their electricals.

Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, said: “We’ve been delighted with how engaged and supportive the local community has been, but it is imperative we keep reminding those living locally of the pressing issue of e-waste.”

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled and turned into something new. Small electricals including toasters, kettles, sandwich makers, hairdryers or irons can be recycled at locations across the Borough, including Customer First Centres, libraries, leisure centres, schools, and community centres.

Residents can find their nearest recycling point by using the online map.

Research by Material Focus has shown that most of us have unwanted electricals we want to get rid of. On average there are at least 30 electricals hidden away in drawers in UK homes - a total of 880 million items across the UK. And yet 39% of people bin electricals, leading to over 100,000 tonnes of electricals thrown away every year.

When recycling electricals, people are reminded to remove batteries where possible and place them in the designated battery recycling points next to the electrical bins.