Reduce
Where possible consider repairing broken items. Small broken, but likely repairable electrical and electronic items can be placed in the repair box at the recycling centres or a select number of libraries. These items will be taken to local prisons for repair and then sold to raise money for local charities and other great causes. Find further information on this repair project.
Reuse
Before you throw anything away why not see if it can be reused or upcycled? There are lots of ways this can be done:
Charity shops
Charity shops accept a wide variety of items. Please contact your local charity shop for more information on what they can accept. A number of charities in Staffordshire will happily collect your unwanted large household items if they are in good condition.
Reuse networks
Reuse networks such as Freecycle, Freegle and Ecobees allow members to advertise goods for reuse or sharing through local groups and forums. Membership and advertising is free and everything offered must also be free.
Sell
There are a variety of online selling websites. Other options are advertising in the local paper, or noticeboards in a newsagents or some supermarkets. If you have quite a few items why not consider a car boot sale?
Upcycle
How about being creative and turning an old item into something stylish?
Recycle
Kerbside recycling
Small electrical and electronic items are accepted through some council collections. They also offer bulky waste collections for larger items. Check your local council for further information and charges. Electrical items should never be thrown in the rubbish bin, they contain hazardous and valuable materials and should be recycled properly.
Recycling centres
Small and large electrical and electronic items from your own home can be brought to any of Staffordshire’s recycling centres free of charge. These include items such as washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, ovens, hobs, microwaves, toasters, irons, stereos, TV's, DVD players, hairdryers and gaming consoles.
*We cannot accept non-domestic units including wine coolers, glass fronted appliances, and commercial appliances.
*We cannot accept any electrical items from businesses