Forum Topic

Easter Recycling & Waste Collections

Here is the link to the Press Release: http://www.ealing.gov.uk/press_releases/2008/march/pr1190.html

Philippa Bond ● 6770d10 Comments

I had a couple of pleasant walks around the neighbourhood this Easter, in between the wet weather and saw to my horror quite a few dumped old electrical appliances in the roads nearby - saw two moicowaves, a fridge and a vacuum cleaner. Also spied a couple of large bags of what looked like builder's rubble. Guess I should have reported thisto the Council but couldn't be bothered. My good citizenship is at a disappointing and fed-up all time low at the mo.  :-(

Gerry Tan ● 6765d

We could do with a rag-and-bone man type service to collect these electrical things couldn't we?If the builders' rubbish is tracked back to the householder who is having building work done and who hasn't made sure that their builder has a licence then that householder can get a hefty fine.

Philippa Bond ● 6765d

Take a look at our neighbour the London Borough of Brent's page on bulky waste and all the links down the right hand side - particularly the list of take-back places for electrical goods.http://www.brent.gov.uk/streetcare2.nsf/Pages/LBB-68?OpenDocument&pp=200084

Philippa Bond ● 6765d

Gerry,Sorry to hear that your community spirit is at a low ebb right now.  A quick call to the council's helpline - 020 8825 6000, will see these items taken away within 24 hours most likely.  I often call them when I see things amiss in my ward - I don't think I have ever had to call them twice.  There is no excuse for people dumping electrical kit, etc.  The council will take away up to 8 bulky items for a fee of £20 - they will even give you an appointment.  This is an improvement to the service introduced this year.  See details here:http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/environment/refuse_collection/collection_of_bulky_items/

Phil Taylor ● 6764d

Although this is an improvement to the Bulky Waste Collection what has also happened during this time is the change regarding waste electrical and electronic equipment.  This came into force in July 2007 bringing the UK into line with a European Directive of 2003.  (In other words - no surprise.) This is why many electric and electronic items have a sign on them saying that they should not just be placed in the dustbin.£20 is not so much if you have a washing machine or something truly bulky being replaced (but it may be easier and cheaper to take advantage of a take-back scheme being run by the seller of your new washing machine if it is a store) but when a brand new microwave can be bought for less than £25 it does seem a lot.If you live in flats in a house you may find that neighbours can arrange between themselves easily to share a collection.If the item is in working order it may be easier for you to use freecycle or gumtree to give it away free to someone who has to collect it.  You can also take small electrical items working and not working to all the Reuse & Recycling Centres.

Philippa Bond ● 6763d

W H Smith seem to have a policy of an information board in store to tell you where to recycle electrical equipment. Hounslow store and maybe others have not actually completed the information on the board but it is a start.I believed Councils were being more proactive these days in checking records from serial numbers to chase up dumped equipment - naive or wishful.Finally, how can we raise Gerry's community spirit? - it is sad to see him down

Colin Izzard ● 6763d

Thanks for your concern Colin.  I've bucked my ideas up, now that we've had a thumping win in NZ!  All is now well and safely gathered in - thanks.  ;-)PS:  the icing on the cake of my well-being would be that David "golden balls" Bexkham scores a scorcher ce soir en Paris!  ;-)

Gerry Tan ● 6763d

France 1 England 0..you fed up again Gerry??                               

Hugh Telford ● 6763d

Perhaps if we try and will the sun to keep shining you will feel better Gerry?

Philippa Bond ● 6763d

Thanks Philippa - we could all do with sunny and warm skies over Ealing - it's been a long dreary winter and what with England being beaten last nigt, rubbish dumped in our lovely Ealing streets and now the recent absence of the nice Mr Alan Brainsby from our website, life's getting real dreary. The only bright and pleasant thing was the visit of the lovely Madam Carla Bruni-Sarkozy to see our esteemed Queen this week. She's a beaut - do hope she and M.Nicolas Sarkozy make a good and lasting happy marriage - good luck to the handsome couple, bless 'em!  :-(

Gerry Tan ● 6762d