A Golspie-based recycling charity has received the backing of Scotland’s environment watchdog. Mobius Sutherland Computer Recycling Group is providing internet-ready PCs to disadvantaged school children. As well as funding one of these, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) says the charity is well prepared for the introduction of new European legislation that will affect nearly all electrical equipment.

Lorna Walker of SEPA, who is co-ordinating the Highland waste strategy, said: “The north of Scotland faces a major challenge in dealing with its waste, and Mobius is ahead of the game. Discarded electrical equipment is dangerous to the environment, and new rules will mean that manufacturers have to collect and recycle their products.

“Not only is Mobius already taking up the recycling challenge, but is it doing so in a remote rural area, giving training and employment to several people. Those computers that can be repaired are given to disadvantaged people, community groups and schools. So, there are economic, environmental and social benefits all at the same time.”

Earlier this month, the EU took another step towards implementing the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. This covers almost anything that uses batteries or a plug, from electric toothbrushes to washing machines. Every member state will have to set up a collection system for this equipment, much of which contains heavy metals and other pollutants that can be dangerous to the environment.

At present most of this waste is disposed of in landfill sites. By recycling these materials, they are prevented from escaping into the environment. Also, the environmental effects of mining for metals are avoided. For members of the public, it will mean that their broken TV, computer etc will be recycled free of charge. The costs of the collection and recycling system will be paid by the companies which manufactured the equipment in the first place. The exact details of how this will work in each country have yet to be worked out.

For more information about progress on this directive see the EU news release from 10 October:

http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/02/1463|0|RAPID&lg=EN&display=




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For more information contact:

• Peter Barns, Mobius Project Manager, tel 01408 634163, mobile 0870 128 6515
  
• Lorna Walker on 07788 568169