Disposing of waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Electrical items should be disposed of carefully due to the nature of their materials.

Items which have the image of a wheelie bin with a cross on them should not be disposed of using the general household rubbish collection. These items include everything from large white goods to energy-saving lightbulbs. By keeping waste electrical equipment separate from other waste, the hazardous substances can be removed and other parts can be recycled rather than sent to landfill.

If you are buying new electrical appliances, retailers are obliged under WEEE legislation to either:

• Take your old appliances off you for free in store.
• Tell you where you can take your old item for recycling free of charge.

Many retailers offer to collect old appliances from your home, although they are not obliged to do this.

Alternatively, you can take your old equipment to your nearest recycling point, or ask your local authority to collect your bulky items. Some may charge for this service.