Midex rolls out nationwide free WEEE collection service

(20/03/2009)

Following the success of a trial to collect unwanted electrical and electronic goods from homes in the South of England, WEEE processing company Midex has announced the nationwide roll-out of the country's first free WEEE collection service.

Called WEEECollect.IT, the house to house service comprises picking up items such as TVs, computers, printers and other everyday electrical and electronic goods (with the exception of fridges and freezers) at no charge, by a team of dedicated drivers from householders’ front doors and driveways. The initiative was first launched throughout Aldershot, Farnborough and Guildford late last autumn.

In addition, with only 4% of non-lead batteries currently recycled in the UK each year, the public will also be encouraged by WEEECollect.IT personnel to handover any spent household batteries for recycling in accordance with the European Battery Directive.

The brain child of Midex management and spearheaded by Chris Spooner, once fully operational the company anticipates every home in major towns and cities is set to receive advance notification of when to expect the arrival of a WEEECollect.IT van.

The easy to identify vehicle, with is its distinctive signage and bell, is designed to relieve the public of both hefty fees imposed by local authorities for picking up obsolete WEEE goods as well as the inconvenience of driving heavy items to the local tip.

Commented Spooner: “We have been absolutely bowled over by the response we have been receiving from the public. It’s incredible to see people standing outside waiting for the arrival of our van. It’s rather like being the original rag and bone man!”

It is anticipated that Midex will create some 1200 jobs by the end of 2009, comprising full time van drivers and leaflets droppers. Whilst the company will retain its Aldershot headquarters and processing facility, it anticipates opening new premises throughout the country as well as partnering with existing organisations as necessary.

In addition to helping raise much needed public awareness in importance of diverting waste from landfill, the service further supports the Government’s ambitious WEEE recycling targets.

Related categories:  Batteries recycling   Electronic and electrical waste recycling   Pollution control technologies