Purpose

To request approval for the submission of an application for grant funding to Electricals Recycling Fund.

Decision

That the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm:

i)               Approve the submission of an application for grant funding to the Electricals Recycling Fund in the sum of £30,000.

Reasons for the decision

Brent Council recognises that discarded electrical items and batteries are now the fastest growing waste stream globally and present a significant and increasing safety risk within the UK Waste and Recycling System. In response, local authorities across the UK are increasingly providing accessible and cost-free recycling points for small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in community locations such as libraries, high streets and other public buildings. In Brent, a Small Items Collection Service was introduced in October 2023, enabling residents to book home collections for small electricals and batteries. Operational data from Veolia suggests additional collections from the libraries could be incorporated into the existing small items collection service.

The Council is therefore seeking external funding from the Electricals Recycling Fund to expand the provision of small electrical collection points across the borough. Expanding provision through visible and easily accessible community collection points at Brent’s six libraries would enable the material to be captured earlier, reducing fire risk and improving recycling rates whilst making more effective use of existing collection capacity.

Alternative options considered

The deliver of the project is dependent on securing external funding to support the required infrastructure. Alternative approaches, such as reliance on retailer take-back schemes, were considered, but discounted due to limited accessibility, potential costs to residents and eligibility restrictions. Council-led provision was therefore identified as the most effective and equitable optin.