Consumers claim it is easier to bin radios, irons, kettles and digital cameras than recycle them, Which? survey finds
Rebecca Smithers, guardian.co.uk 16 Oct 09;
Old electrical items are being thrown out with household rubbish because many people don't know how to recycle them, a new survey reveals today.
Just half of respondents knew they could help the environment by reprocessing small products such as radios, hairdryers and irons.
More than half (53%) agreed it was easier just to throw them away with other refuse, according to the Which? online survey of 1,007 consumers.
The research by the consumer group also found almost three-quarters of those questioned admitted to hoarding products that were broken and in need of repair or simply no longer used. The items routinely left abandoned by householders in their attics and lofts were video recorders, radios, irons, kettles, digital cameras and DVD players.
Recycling electrical goods helps preserve resources and energy, and stops harmful chemicals entering the environment, Which? points out. The survey also comes as councils warn of a £1bn hike in their rubbish disposal bills because of rising landfill taxes.
About four in 10 respondents admitted they felt guilty about not doing more, and three in four felt there should be better facilities for recycling old electrical items locally.
Jess Ross, editor of which.co.uk, said: "Most people have good intentions about recycling but, when it comes to old electrical items, there is still a lot of confusion about what goes where and when. We would urge consumers to think twice before throwing things out with their rubbish."
Among its recycling tips are contacting the local council to ask it to pick up unwanted large electrical products – they must collect under EU law, but may charge a fee. The same law, the waste electronic and electrical equipment directive, means shops must offer a free take-back scheme where you can drop off old electrical items when you buy a like-for-like new one. Which? also advises cash-strapped consumers to think about whether their old electrical items are in good enough condition to sell, as they may even be able to make some money.
