East Devon Urged to Recycle Batteries

WRAP is urging East Devon residents to recycle used batteries to try to reduce waste sent to landfill.

Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has released a statement which estimates the number of batteries thrown into landfill annually is about 700 million, which would run almost 20,000 miles if laid end to end. That’s almost equal to the distance to Australia and back.

The thing is that most people have no idea how many batteries they use each year.

In light of that research, WRAP has joined forces with the East Devon District Council with the hope that residents in East Devon will increase the number of batteries they recycle through a kerbside collection trial.

The East Devon trial is one of several nationwide schemes taking place to “help identify the most efficient way to recycle batteries”.

Chris Davey, batteries programme manager at WRAP, said: “It’s sobering to think that the number of batteries we throw away would stretch to the other side of the world and back. As we buy more electronic goods such as games consoles, mobile phones, wireless gadgets and toys, the situation can only get worse for our environment unless we recycle more.

“It’s just as easy to save used batteries for recycling, as it is to throw them away. By doing that you’ll soon realise what a positive impact changing your habit will make to the environment.”

For more information about battery recycling in your area call the WRAP helpline at 08453 313131 or visit recyclenow.org.uk