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Changes to bulky collections
Last updated: 28th June 2007
How the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive will affect bulky collections
From 1st July Bolton Council will no longer be able to collect certain items of Waste Electronic and Electrical equipment waste. New regulations, which come into effect on this date mean that certain types of electrical waste (radios, kettles, irons, televisions, computers etc) have to be collected separately from other types of household waste (carpets, furniture etc). The regulations have been introduced to maximise the potential to re-use and recycle electrical waste instead of sending it to landfill where it spends many years decomposing in the ground.
What does it mean for householders?
It will mean from 1st July residents will be unable to request the removal of certain types of electrical waste as part of the bulky household waste collection service.
What types of waste is included?
Although this is not an exhaustive list the following are some examples of what cannot be collected from 1st July
Electric fires/heaters
Kettles
Irons
Vacuum cleaners
Children’s toys, which need a mains power supply
Computers
Televisions
Videos
DVD players
Radios
Small electrical kitchen appliances
Telephones including mobile phones
Hi -Fi systems
Lighting equipment
Electric shavers and toothbrushes
Hairdryers and styling tongs
Camcorders
Extension reels
Electrical wiring
Electric fans
Electric lawnmowers
Electrical power tools (saw, drill)
Anything with a plug on which is not classed as white goods
How can I dispose of these items safely and legally?
Householders can take any of the above to their nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre and dispose of the item(s) free of charge. Special units have been provided at the sites to accommodate this type of waste. Alternatively if you are purchasing a new product you may want to check with your retailer about a take-back scheme for your old unit.
What about white goods?
White goods such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, cookers (gas and electric), dryers and dishwashers will continue to be collected as part of the household waste collection service but will be collected separately by Bolton Community Transport and Furniture Services who maximise the items collected by re-using and recycling as many units as possible. Remaining units will be taken away for recovery re-processing.
What about microwave ovens?
Microwave ovens will continue to be collected as part of the white goods collection service.
Where can I get further information?
Please contact 01204 336632 Mon to Fri 8.00am to 6.00pm or email environmental.services@bolton.gov.uk.