Croydon's Conservative Council wants people to break down their emotional barriers to recycling old, but still cherished, electrical goods.
The love affair that many people have with their old and once-cutting edge pieces of technology seems to be one of the main reasons why the UK's homes are believed to be packed with redundant gadgets. This is according to new research that has been published as part of the national Recycle Week (21-27 June).
The council has therefore signed up to the 'Recycle Now' campaign and is asking people to de-clutter their cupboards and send as many old electrical items as possible off to a new home.
Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways and the environment, said: "People invest a lot of their money into buying new technology, and some gadgets become a fundamental part of our daily lives. So I can understand why even when things break down or get replaced with the latest innovation it can still be tough to part with them. However Croydon wants to promote the idea that it's better to say goodbye and let go of the old bits of gadgetry. People should feel good in knowing that unused items have gone to a better place - in this case a recycling centre or a new life after a quick refurbishment."
To encourage more people to take the plunge and part with an unwanted piece of electrical equipment the council is offering the incentive of prizes to anyone who fills in a pledge card at one of their roadshows. On offer is a DAB radio alarm with an iPod dock and an eco kettle. The promotion team will spend all of Recycling Week touring various parts of the borough to send out this important message and collect as many pledges as possible.
Old electrical items that still switch on can be donated to local British Heart Foundation stores to raise money for charity.
Items that have reached the end of their lives should be taken to the nearest reuse and recycling centre to be turned into something new and useful.
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