Wigan Borough residents urged to keep cool and recycle right this summer

Wigan Borough residents urged to keep cool and recycle right this summer

Wigan Council is reminding residents to recycle electrical items responsibly this summer due to dangers posed to waste collection crews.

As temperatures rise and the use of electrical items such as fans, portable chargers, and other rechargeable items increase, the council is urging residents to ensure unwanted electricals are taken to the correct recycling facilities.

Research from Material Focus has highlighted the growing popularity of low-cost electrical products, often known as ‘FastTech’, which can be easily forgotten, thrown away, or incorrectly disposed of. Many of these items contain batteries and valuable materials that can be recovered through recycling.

When electrical items are placed in black and brown bins, they can also become damaged during collection and processing. This can cause batteries to spark, leading to fires that put waste and recycling crews at risk and can cause significant damage to vehicles and facilities.

Councillor Paul Kenny, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: "We know that during periods of hot weather, fans are often essential items to help people cool down, but when these products reach the end of their life, they should never be thrown into a black bin.

"Electrical items and batteries can cause fires if damaged, putting our collection crews and staff at risk. By taking unwanted electricals to the correct recycling point, residents can help protect our workers, reduce waste, and ensure valuable materials are recovered and reused."

Electrical items contain materials including copper, lithium, and precious metals that can be recycled and used again in the manufacture of new products. However, these resources are lost when electricals are sent for disposal through general household waste.

The council is encouraging residents to check drawers, cupboards, and storage areas for unwanted electrical items and recycle them responsibly. This includes items such as fans, mobile phones, portable chargers, headphones, electric toothbrushes, battery-powered toys, hair straighteners, vapes, and electrical kitchen appliances.

Residents can take unwanted electrical items to the borough’s Recycling Centres, operated by FCC Environment on behalf of Wigan Council. The three centres are Chanters at Arley Way in Atherton, Kirkless at Makerfield Way in Ince, and Slag Lane in Leigh, where dedicated collection points are available, including projects that try to give old tech and electrical items a second chance and keep them in circulation. Local charity shops also take electrical items if they are still in working order.

Councillor Kenny added: "Keeping our crews safe is a priority and hidden dangers posed by small electrical items can not only expose them to potential harm but also disrupt collection services.

“If it has a plug, battery or cable, it can be recycled. Taking a few extra minutes to dispose of them correctly can make a real difference to crew safety, the environment and the efficient running of our waste services. We’re grateful to residents for taking the time to understand safe and responsible waste management.”

You can find out more information on our recycling electrical items page as well as on our A-Z recycling guide. More locations to recycle can be found on the recycle web page (external link).