Switched on waste experts at West Sussex County Council have plugged into legislation that will save money on unwanted electrical goods.
They have already registered the County Council's West Sussex-wide network of Household Waste Recycling Sites as Designated Collection Facilities (DCFs) for electrical equipment. Registration means the County Council will avoid most of the likely increases in cost arising from new environmental laws affecting the future disposal of electrical waste.
This step will not affect householder taking such items as toasters, TVs and microwave to the Household Waste Recycling Sites, which the County Council runs in partnership with Viridor.
However, it does mean the County Council will avoid most of the likely increases in cost arising from new laws affecting the future disposal of electrical waste.
From next month, retailers of electronic equipment will be required to take back these old items, or at least be part of a national network for taking them back.
This is implemented under new Environmental Legislation known as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - or WEEE - directive.
It means makers of electrical equipment will have to take on responsibility for the environmental impact of their products, including the cost of recycling and disposal.
Frank Wilkinson, County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: "By registering our sites in this way, we are making the best use of our established effective and environmentally sound collection system for Waste Electrical and Electronic goods.
"This step is a major plank in our aim to continue to provide sustainable ways of managing our household waste."
The County Council sites are managed by Viridor Waste Management under the 'Reclaim West Sussex' partnership.
They already provide facilities for hazardous electrical items, including fridge/freezers, TVs, monitors and fluorescent tubes.
"These will continue to be available as they are now. There will be separate areas for large household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers and an area for all other equipment such as hairdryers, toys and tools," said Frank.
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