Hartlepool Borough Council has confirmed that a small electrical appliance recycling scheme will continue following the success of its pilot programme. Nine community drop-off points will remain in place for a further year after the initiative collected almost four tonnes of small electricals, including laptops, hand-held devices, hairdryers and toasters, since launching in May 2025.
The pilot scheme originally created ten community drop-off points across the borough. The decision to retain nine of these follows positive results during the initial phase.
National success of electrical recycling
Hartlepool's pilot was one of more than 80 schemes funded by Material Focus, the not-for-profit organisation leading the Recycle Your Electricals campaign. Across the UK, these pilot schemes have helped make it easier for over 12 million residents to recycle their electricals.
Community response and awareness
The scheme promoted recycling through leaflets and posters featuring Hypnocat, the campaign's pink fluffy mascot. The campaign made residents aware that anything with a plug, battery or cable could be recycled and turned into something new.
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: "I would like to thank everyone across Hartlepool who has supported this initiative and taken the time to recycle their unwanted electrical items. Collecting almost four tonnes of small electricals is a fantastic achievement and shows what can be accomplished when residents are given easy, convenient ways to do the right thing. By recycling electrical appliances instead of throwing them away, valuable materials can be recovered and reused, helping to reduce waste, cut environmental impacts and support a more sustainable future for our borough."
Why electrical recycling matters
Research has shown that UK households have, on average, at least 30 electricals hidden away in drawers, totalling 880 million items across the country. Many of these items could be repaired and donated or sold, yet 39% of people bin electricals rather than recycle or reuse them. This results in over 100,000 tonnes of electricals being thrown away every year.
Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, said: "The Hartlepool Electricals Recycling Initiative has proven that small electrical recycling is important to the area and its residents. We are delighted with how engaged and supportive the local community has been and how the investment from the Electrical Recycling Fund has enabled such a huge number of items to be recycled by this pilot. As e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream, we hope to continue to see a rise in the amount of electricals recycled across the UK."
