Infographic encourages e-waste recycling

Many consumers in the UK are unaware of the potential for electronic equipment to be recycled, according to electrical wholesalers Edwardes Bros.

In an attempt to encourage more recycling, the retailer has published an infographic, titled ‘Don’t Delay, Recycle Today: Recycle Your Electrical Goods’, to raise awareness of the issue.

The company, with three branches in South East England, explains that it sees a lot of consumers buying new appliances to upgrade or replace broken goods. Many of these items, it says, could be reused, repaired or recycled but are instead thrown away.

According to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor, 41.8 million metric tonnes of waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) was generated globally in 2014, a figure that is predicted to increase to 50 million by 2018.

However, research carried out by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) suggests that nearly 40 per cent of electrical products go to landfill when they are disposed of.

Explaining the idea behind the infographic to Resource, a spokesperson for Edwardes explained: “Many simply don't realise that small electrical appliances can be recycled. From selling on eBay to giving to a charity shop, recycling doesn't just mean taking to the local recycling centre. 

“As such, Edwardes Bros took the decision as part of our social responsibility to do our bit to educate on the options and spread the word that small electrical items don't need to go to landfill and that such an option should only be a last resort and for items which fall outside that which can be recycled.”

Find the full infographic below: