Recycling trial to collect 30,000 small electricals

The council aims to collect up to 30,000 small electricals over 12 months

A recycling trial aims to collect up to 30,000 small electrical items from residents' doorsteps.

The kerbside collections in Newcastle started on 15 January for 109,000 households in the city.

Newcastle City Council picks up the items using a fleet of electric vehicles and collections can be booked online.

The service is part of a 12-month trial.

People can leave unwanted or broken small electrical items including toasters, chargers and gadgets in a carrier bag which will be recycled as well.

Cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, Marion Williams, said that as technology advanced fast "more and more" small electrical items were being thrown away.

"Some people may not realise that the devices contain valuable materials and will put them in the bin, meaning we lose everything inside them, which can instead be recycled," Ms Williams said.

"I think it’s great that we are launching the new service which will make it easier for residents to recycle their goods.

"The service will protect the environment and help create a greener and more sustainable city."

The trial has received £30,800 from Material Focus, a not-for-profit body that funds and encourages electrical recycling.