Switch off your e-waste!
Unfortunately e-waste is one of the biggest growing waste streams.
Have a look at these 5 top tips for reducing your electrical waste:
Re-evaluate. Do you really need that extra gadget? Try finding one device with multiple functions. If you do need something, see if you can find something second-hand or refurbished.
Extend the life of your electronics. Buy a case, keep your device clean, and avoid overcharging the battery.
Repair - often only one component is actually broken, not the whole thing. Why not visit one of Suffolk's repair cafes to see if they can help? Or check out I Fix It or Family Handy Man to help you repair your item.
Recycling Centres and some charity shops accept donations of working electricals. Check before you visit on The Charity Retail Association website.
Did you know? Refurbished items are goods that have been taken back by the manufacture. These are then checked to make sure these still work. These are the put up for sale at a reduced amount saving you money and reducing waste.
If you can't fix or re-use your electricals, remember to recycle them!
You can do this by:
- Taking them to any Suffolk Recycling Centre
- In Ipswich and East Suffolk you can place them in a small electricals recycling banks.
- Across Ipswich, The Ipswich furniture project offers free collections for large white goods
- By recycling your electricals all the raw materials can be separated and used again.
More information on recycling electrics here.
Please do not place electrical items in either your general rubbish or recycling bin as many contain hazardous and precious metals.
Electricals Recycling Fund
Almost 80% of people think recycling their electricals is the right thing to do – but only 45% of people think it’s easy. Material Focus are looking to fund projects that make it easier for the UK to repair, donate or recycle their old electricals.
Funding applications are currently open on a rolling basis, which means there is no deadline for them.
Who can apply: Local Authorities, waste collection authority areas, contractors, non-profits, community sector organisations, producer compliance schemes, and retailers – not individuals.
Grants for Growing existing services: Organisations can apply for up to £100,000 of funding for projects that aim to grow or improve existing household waste and recycling collection services. Take a look at some of last year’s Electricals Recycling Fund projects for inspiration! Download information pack from grants portal.
Grants for Innovating new methods: Organisations can apply for up to £50,000 for projects that aim to innovate or test new approaches to collect electricals for reuse and recycling. We may consider further funding should the project demonstrate value for money and significant impact. Download information pack from grants portal.