Problem
In June 2024, Denbighshire County Council (DCC) introduced changes to its recycling and non-recyclable waste collections to make it easier for residents to recycle from home, and to improve the quality of the recyclables collected. Non-recyclable waste collections moved from every two weeks to every four weeks, and recycling, which is collected every week, is now collected via a troliboc separation system and reusable bags, aligning with Welsh Government’s Collections Blueprint.
A review of waste data highlighted a key missed recycling opportunity: in 2023/24, the Council collected only 154 tonnes of small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE), which was lower than any other local authority in Wales. The changes to its recycling and non-recyclable waste collections therefore presented an opportunity to increase the capture and recycling of sWEEE through a dedicated weekly kerbside collections service.
Solution
To make recycling sWEEE as easy and convenient as possible, Denbighshire County Council introduced a simple collection method:
- Simple presentation: Residents place sWEEE – such as electric shavers, hairdryers, irons, kettles, power tools and toasters – loosely on top of their troliboc or reusable bag on collection day.
- Safe disposal of e-cigarettes and vapes: Residents put these items in a single-use clear plastic bag, separate from households batteries, then place the bag alongside their other recycling containers on their collection day, ensuring safe handling and minimising fire risks.
By integrating the collection into an existing recycling routine, the Council has made it as easy as possible for residents to recycle their sWEEE, increasing participation and material recovery.
Impact
Whilst Denbighshire County Council’s sWEEE collections service has only been operating for just over a year, it’s already delivered the following benefits:
- Diversion from residual waste: Fewer sWEEE is now appearing in bags or bins for non-recyclable waste, which means more of these valuable materials are being properly diverted rather than being sent to landfill or incineration.
- Increase in public awareness: The collections service provided an opportunity to educate residents on the environmental impact of purchasing electrical and electronic items, and the danger of disposing of them incorrectly.
- Improved fire safety: The number of fire incidents has decreased by preventing lithium-ion batteries, which are often hidden inside small electrical items, from ending up in the wrong material streams.
Through the weekly collection at the kerbside, Denbighshire County Council has made it as easy as possible for residents to recycle their sWEEE, whilst improving recycling and reducing fire hazards.