A binman has settled the debate on how to dispose of small electrical appliances such as alarm clocks, hair dryers and kettles, confirming they should not be placed in general waste or recycling bins.
With many households planning a clear-out before the festive period, the question of what to do with unwanted items has become more pressing. The No1 Binman, who regularly offers advice on household recycling and general waste, said the correct approach depends on the local council.
Where small electricals should go
"It depends on the council," said The No1 Binman. "If they do, they will have a special box or bag that small devices would go in. You do not put them in your general waste bin, you do not put them in your recycling bin."
He added: "The amount of stuff I see in the plastic recycling bin where it's electrical goods... don't put them in there. They're not recyclable within your plastic recycling bin."
Some people put microwaves and kettles in these bins, but The No1 Binman was clear: "No. They do not go in there. You're meant to take them to the tip, that's absolutely fine, you can take them to B&Q or somewhere like that, but they do not go in your general waste bin. Please check with your council for the best place to put them."
Which electrical items can be recycled
Different councils have different rules, so residents are advised to check with their local authority. Wales Recycles, the national recycling campaign for Wales supported and funded by the Welsh Government and adopted locally by councils, lists a wide range of electricals that can be recycled.
These include any items that have a plug, use batteries, need charging or carry a picture of a crossed-out wheelie bin. Garden tools such as lawnmowers and shredders, personal grooming products like hair dryers, straighteners, electric toothbrushes and shavers, and small kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters and blenders are all covered.
Technology such as radios, CD/DVD players, electronic toys and games, phones, MP3 players, TVs, printers and cameras also qualify, along with lamps, torches, Christmas tree lights, vacuum cleaners, smoke detectors, IT and communications equipment, laptops, computers, power tools, sports equipment, medical devices and control instruments.
Council guidance on drop-off points
Cardiff council, as one example, advises residents to take smaller electrical appliances such as toasters or kettles to their local recycling centre. London Recycles offers similar guidance, saying it is easy to check whether an electrical item, toy or game is recyclable.
According to London Recycles, an item can be recycled if it has a plug, uses batteries, needs charging or has a picture of a crossed-out wheelie bin on it. The organisation notes that many of these items cannot be recycled at home, so residents would need to find their nearest recycling centre or drop-off point.
