DID YOU KNOW?

Each molecule of a CFC from an old fridge destroy over 100,000 molecules of the earth’s protective ozone layer.

Each year DIY motorists dump more than 45000 tonnes of used motor oil.

Nothing should be thrown away without thought. Many materials can cause severe damage to the environment if not handled properly. And many items of so-called ‘rubbish’ might well have another life being reused in some way. Following are just some of the common items you will have to dispose of:

Building rubbish: Architectural salvage yards take some items for resale, and old bricks and timber can often be reused. Your local household waste site may have a soil and rubble recycling skip.

Car Batteries: Acid and lead are both potentially lethal. Most household waste sites in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have facilities for safely disposing of old car batteries.

Computers: See the e-quipment section of the Recycler.

Furniture: Local charity shops, schools, and community groups can sometimes use unwanted items. Make sure all furniture is clean and in good repair before you donate it. For fire safety reasons, unwanted sofas and chairs must have the kite mark to prove they meet British safety standards. Most organisations will not take old mattresses for hygiene reasons.

Glasses: If they're ordinary reading glasses, try the charity shops.

Household goods: Charity shops might well be the place for unwanted household goods as long as they are in serviceable condition. Or a local community group might be able to sell them at a car boot or jumble sale.

Medicines: Always dispose of medicines following either your doctor’s or the manufacturer’s instructions. Pharmacies will take back unused pills etc.

Paint/varnishes: Community groups, or the local theatre group, might be glad of old paint and varnishes for decorating or painting scenery. Whatever you do, don’t throw paint cans in with the rubbish - it can cause an unbelievable mess!

Mobile phones: See the e-quipment section of the Recycler.

Motor Oil: Used motor oil contains heavy metals and other toxic substances, and is considered hazardous waste. Motor oil must never be dumped down drains. Take it to a garage that will recycle it, or to your local household waste site.

Printer cartridges: See the e-quipment section of the Recycler.

Refrigerators: Most older fridges and freezers contain freon, a chemical known as a Chlorinated Fluorocarbon or “CFC” for short. Each molecule of a CFC can destroy over 100,000 molecules of the earth’s protective ozone layer. So, if you have an old refrigerator, freezer, heat pump or air conditioner to dispose of, please make sure that it goes somewhere where the CFCs will be drained out and the foam removed safely. You can take it to a household waste site where they have facilities for recycling.

Video recorders, audio equipment etc: See the e-quipment section of the Recycler.