Residents in Torfaen will be able to recycle small electrical items from home as part of their weekly collections from Monday 6 October 2025.
The new service allows items such as hairdryers, toasters and electric toothbrushes to be placed in the black recycling box. It forms part of the council’s wider strategy to reach a 70% recycling rate.
Items must be no larger than 30cm x 30cm x 30cm and powered by a plug, battery or charger. Examples include kettles, irons, clocks, calculators, mobile phones, radios, small electronic toys and power tools. Batteries must be removed before recycling.
Councillor Sue Morgan, executive member for waste and sustainability, said: “This is another positive step forward for recycling in Torfaen.
“Being able to recycle small electricals at the kerbside will help save space in residents’ purple-lidded bins and will cut down on a trip to the Household Recycling Centre.
“Every item recycled helps us protect the environment and move closer to our 70 per cent recycling target.”
Larger items such as microwaves and televisions cannot be collected at the kerbside and should be taken to the Household Recycling Centre in New Inn or booked for collection through the council’s bulky waste scheme, for which charges apply.
Residents who believe their electrical item could be repaired are encouraged to visit the Repair Café at Pontypool Indoor Market.
Reusable items can also be donated to the Steelhouse Re-Use Shop or Furniture Circulate Recycling.