RESIDENTS have welcomed a new “much-needed” electrical item recycling collection service introduced by the council. Uttlesford Council is rolling out the new kerb side waste collections across the district to “make it easier” for residents to recycle their broken or unwanted small household electricals reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

It was announced at a council meeting in July, when councillors were told it’s being rolled out “imminently” “in an organised way.” Resident Sandra Cox, 51, said: “I think it’s a very good idea. I say full credit to the council. I know councils get a hard time and a lot of criticism but that’s certainly not the case here. I think anything or efforts that help to increase recycling has to be a good thing. I think we have a big issue with waste and rubbish being dumped so this is a good thing.

“I will be putting some of these items out for the council to collect. I am sure many other people will also be doing it too. I think it’s very much needed and hopefully it will help the environment too and reduce the amount of waste dumped in landfill.”

Another Uttlesford resident Phil Harrison, 46, said: “I think it’s a very good way to get rid of unwanted electrical items. I think it’s a help and is very handy for residents. I am very pleased to see the council doing this. I would like to see other councils doing the same. I think it’s a good move and job by the council. I think recycling and and reducing the waste dumped in landfill is very important. We need more things like this to help in this way. I also think it can help those who are less fortunate and have less.”

Neil Reeve, councillor for waste collection services, said: “We want to make it easier for everyone to responsibly dispose of old or unused small electricals, without having to take them to the tip or putting them in the bin. This is an exciting new initiative and reducing electronic waste will contribute to a cleaner, greener environment, with less thrown away. I hope all residents will take advantage of this easy, weekly kerbside collection service.”