University of Cambridge
Sidgwick Site Car Park
Sidgwick Avenue
Cambridge CB3 9DD
The recycling event takes place on Thursday 6 March, from 7.30 am to 5 pm, and on Friday 7 March, from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm. All types of business and household electronic waste will be accepted for free and staff will be on hand to help with unloading.
The event is being hosted by Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), Cambridge City Council, European Recycling Platform (ERP), and the University of Cambridge as part of a drive to increase the amount of e-waste that is recycled. The previous two events have already recycled 54 tonnes of electronic waste and event organisers are hoping to get this total as close as possible to 100 tonnes this year.
As an added incentive, everyone who contributes an item of e-waste for recycling will have the opportunity to win £250 worth of vouchers from a local bicycle store by completing a questionnaire. The winner will be drawn from the questionnaires after the event has finished.
Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK. Over 1.4 million tonnes of electronic goods were sold in 2012, but only 500,000 tonnes of e-waste were recycled. The materials used to make electronic goods are valuable and can be used to make new products. All e-waste collected at the event will be sorted and treated within the UK. Recycling is provided courtesy of Apple.
Cllr Jean Swanson, Executive Councillor for Environmental and Waste Services, Cambridge City Council, commented:
"I'm really pleased this event is happening for the third time as e-waste is a growing part of our rubbish. I was amazed how many computer monitors, kettles and irons have been recycled over the last two years. This is another great opportunity for residents, schools and businesses to recycle e-waste in the city, so I hope everyone takes full advantage, has a big clear-out and helps us clear the 100 tonne target!"
Catrin Darsley, University of Cambridge Environmental Coordinator, said:
“On behalf of the University of Cambridge, the Environment and Energy Section is happy to support the third year of this event. We’re looking forward to seeing what departments and Colleges, staff and students, and the wider Cambridge community can find to make the most of this recycling opportunity and help us to make our target of 100 tonnes recycled e-waste. Staff will be on site to answer any questions on the University’s recycling schemes, and our Twitter account - @CambridgeSust - also provides regular updates on our activities.”
Becky Burrell, Marketing and Commercial Manager for Cambridge BID, stated:
“Cambridge BID is delighted to be supporting the Cambridge e-waste recycling event again this year. Cambridge BID are committed to partnering and developing projects that will help to reduce CO² emissions and support a green and sustainable city centre. Cambridge BID will work closely with our BID members, and businesses in the BID area, to ensure that the event is well publicised and as successful as the previous two years.”
Scott Butler, ERP UK Managing Director, said:
“ERP is proud to be involved with this great event for the third year running. We hope as many people as possible in Cambridge will get involved and do their bit for the environment by bringing along their e-waste for recycling.”
Key facts on e-waste
- Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK.
- Around 1.5 million tonnes of electronic goods were sold in 2012, over 23 kg per person.
- In 2012, about 505,000 tonnes of e-waste was collected and recycled, around 34% by weight of the EEE sold.
- The rest ended up in landfill or is still in people’s homes.
- On average, each person in the UK recycled 8 kg of ewaste in 2012.
Visit www.erp-recycling.co.uk to find out more about electronic recycling.
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