STROUD small businesses can dispose of any unwanted electrical items for free this fortnight thanks to the district council.

Starting today, Monday, small to medium businesses can contact the council to arrange for any non-hazardous small waste electrical and electronic items to be collected and taken to an approved waste processor.

Councillor Simon Pickering, chair of SDC’s environment committee, said: “This type of waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK, growing by at least 5 per cent per year.

“This trial is aimed at raising awareness among businesses about the importance of recycling electrical and electronic goods safely and responsibility.

“We’ll take away the items and send them away for processing. Some of them might be reused, reconditioned, broken down for spare parts, broken down into recyclable material, or disposed of.

“Either way, we’ll ensure that they are dealt with responsibly and safely.

“It’s also an opportunity to remind householders that we have Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment collection points at the seven recycling banks around the district where they can take small electrical and electronic items for recycling.”

Every year an estimated two million tonnes of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment items are discarded by householders and companies in the UK – enough to fill the new Wembley stadium six times over.

The types of items which will be collected as part of this initiative include old computers, keyboards and mice, desktop scanners and printers, heaters, fans, phones (excluding mobile phones), kettles, toasters and calculators.

Businesses can call the council from now until Monday, July 7 on 01453 754424 or email public.space@stroud.gov.uk for more information and to book their WEEE collection.

Some items are classed as hazardous and may not qualify for collection.