White goods weighing 31 tonnes – the equivalent of seven African elephants* – have been collected for reuse in Carmarthenshire during the last year.
Unwanted electrical appliances such as electric cookers, washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers are repaired, cleaned and then sold on under the Gwyn i Wyrdd project.
Anyone living in Carmarthenshire with unwanted appliances can contact the team and they will pick them up for free (although there is a suggested donation of £10 for up to two fridges / freezers because they are classed as hazardous waste).
As well as promoting repair, reuse and recycling, the scheme provides opportunities for training for people who have struggled to gain employment because of mental health, substance misuse, chronic health condition, or because of a learning or physical disability.
The electrical appliances are taken to the workshop in Cross Hands where they are repaired and tested to British Standard by qualified EEESafe registered domestic appliance technicians.
The appliances, which are all PAT tested and come with a 90 day warranty, are being sold on mainly to housing association and council housing tenants.
Director of Community Services Jake Morgan said: “This is an excellent project which not only provides affordable and safely repaired white goods to local communities but also offers training opportunities and the chance for people to learn new skills.”
Gwyn i Wyrdd is working in partnership with ERP (European Recycling Profile) and the council’s waste and recycling section to encourage the repair and reuse of electrical goods. Electrical appliances that can be refurbished are also being taken from the waste recycling centre at Nantycaws in Carmarthen.
Director of Environment Christina Harrhy said: “This project is an example reuse at its best; it provides a free collection for white goods that people no longer want, jobs and training for those that need it, and quality electrical appliances at reasonable prices.
“We must try and reduce the amount of electrical waste and repair and reuse as much as possible. It is such a waste to buy something new when it can easily be repaired.
For more information or if you have an electrical appliance you no longer want visit www.gwyniwyrdd.co.uk or call 01269 845685. The project also has a Facebook page www.facebook.com/gwyniwyrdd
*African elephants = 4.3 tonnes
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