Harrow Council has launched a new scheme making it easier for residents to recycle small electrical items by introducing pink recycling bins across all local libraries.
The initiative, supported by £30,000 of funding from Material Focus, aims to boost recycling rates in the borough and tackle the growing issue of electronic waste.
Residents will now be able to drop off items such as kettles, toasters, radios, hairdryers, headphones, and games consoles—anything smaller than a four-slice toaster. A separate bin will also be available specifically for old or unused laptops, allowing them to be reused.
The bins, which feature the eye-catching mascot HypnoCat from the Recycle Your Electricals campaign, will be emptied weekly and taken to the recycling centre for processing.
Cllr Stephen Greek, Cabinet Member for Performance, Communications and Culture, said: “Here in Harrow we’re delighted to introduce these brand new pink electrical recycling bins at our libraries. This makes it easier for residents to recycle their electricals which not only helps the environment but also saves taxpayer money. This will also help in our wider plans to increase our recycling rate to 35%.”
He added: “Here in Harrow, we are always looking at new ways to help people recycle more. It’s great to have these new electrical recycling bins at our libraries. This makes it easier for residents to recycle their electricals which not only helps the environment but also diverts waste from landfill.
“This will also help in our wider plans to increase our recycling rate to 35%. If you have small electrics that you no longer need, pop along to your local library and drop them off.”
Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, said: “We are pleased to support Harrow Council’s expansion scheme that addresses the pressing issue of e-waste. By investing in improved collection and drop-off services and exploring new recycling methods, we are taking a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future by making it easier for 10 million more people to recycle their electricals.”
This local rollout is part of a broader national initiative involving more than 60 projects across the UK. The Recycle Your Electricals campaign, led by Material Focus, aims to tackle the 100,000 tonnes of electrical waste thrown away every year. Research has shown the average UK home has at least 30 unused electrical items, and many could be reused or recycled rather than ending up in landfill.
In total, the nationwide scheme will see over 400 new collection points introduced, alongside kerbside collections for 3 million residents.
For Harrow residents, the message is simple: if you’ve got unwanted electricals gathering dust at home, your local library is now the place to take them.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
