Shropshire schoolpupils recycle thousands of electrical items

Hundreds of schoolpupils from more than a dozen Shropshire schools have recycled over 10.5 tonnes of electrical items, as part of a competition organised by Shropshire Council and Veolia Environmental Services, in partnership with Shrewsbury firm Arbitel Recycling. 

Now more schools are being encouraged to take part in the competition which encourages children and staff to bring their broken or unwanted electrical items from home into school for recycling. 

The schools are provided with a free skip for a week which is collected by Arbitel Recycling, and the school who recycles the most will win a prize of £500. 

The schools are also provided with support materials, so as well as recycling more, they learn about the importance of recycling and keeping waste out of landfill. 

Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for waste management, said: 

“We are delighted to be working with Veolia and Arbitel to help local schools to recycle their electrical items.  Thousands of individual items have been recycled so far, and one school – Hope Primary School – recycled more than two tonnes of electrical items in just one week.  I hope that more schools will volunteer to take part, and that all the children will be inspired to recycle more.” 

Alistair Brown, Arbitel Recycling’s Business Development Manager, said: 

“We have been delighted with the response we have received so far, but we want to remind other schools in Shropshire that it’s not too late to participate, so call us on 01743 295010 if you want the chance to win £500 for your school by recycling electrical items.”   

Clement Gaubert, Veolia Environmental Services’s Electronics Recycling Scheme Manager, said: 

“We are delighted to support this initiative.  The competition is already proving to be a great success, and we hope it continues to help raise awareness among the young people about the benefits of recycling their electrical waste.” 

Any schools wishing to take part in the competition should call Arbitel Recycling on 01743 295010.