Essex recycling centres to accept donations of large appliances

Fridges, cookers and washing machines can be repaired and given to struggling families in Essex

Author: Ana Da SilvaPublished 15th Dec 2022

Residents in Brentwood, Chelmsford and Harlow can now donate large appliances, such as fridges and washing machines, to their local recycling centre.

It's part of a partnership between Essex County Council and the Lighthouse Furniture Project, which hopes to help those struggling with the cost of living.

The items will be repaired if needed and passed on or sold at affordable prices in the local community.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said:

"We have launched a new partnership with the Lighthouse Furniture Project. This means residents visiting Brentwood, Chelmsford and Harlow recycling centres can donate larger electrical appliances for repair and reuse.

"Items such as electric cookers, washing machines, fridges and freezers are accepted and collected from the sites by Lighthouse. They are then repaired and refurbished before being tested by engineers.

"The partnership benefits families in need, who may be struggling with the cost of living, whilst also helping minimise waste in Essex."

The Lighthouse Furniture Project provide low cost reused furniture and electrical appliances to people in Essex, from donated items which would otherwise go to landfill.

The charity has helped over 15,000 families and individuals and diverted more than 4,000 tonnes from landfill.

Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling, said:

“I’m delighted to see this partnership with the Lighthouse Furniture Project come to fruition and deliver positive impacts to support the local community.

“Working like this with others helps to protect our natural resources through the repair and the efficient reuse of materials.”

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