Print a copy of this information as an 'A5 booklet
Wirral-Recycle
It is generally better to re-use than to recycle. You can give away most household items free via Wirral-Recycle http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Wirral-Recycle.Use official council reception sites for other rubbish. To comply with the Civic Amenities Act 1967, the following Waste Recycling Centres are open, free of charge, to the public for - car batteries, cardboard, engine oil, garden waste, paper, furniture, rubble, scrap metal, textiles, drinks cans, timber, glass, and soil.
Poulton Bridge, Bidston Moss, Birkenhead, Tel. 653 7698
Greenbank Road, West Kirby, Tel. 625 9901
Mount Road, Clatterbridge, Tel. 334 0019
Wirral Waste Recycling Centres are open seven days a week except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day between the following times:
8.00am to 5.00pm, October to March
8.00am to 8.00pm, April to September
For further information call Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority on 255 1444. www.merseysidewda.gov.uk
Aerosols
Best avoided as they can cause problems at recycling plants and may explode if crushed. Use pump sprays instead, these are becoming more widely available, ask if you don't see them. If you need to dispose of one, put it in your ordinary green wheelie bin.Aluminium drinks cans
Wash and put in grey wheelie bins. Aluminium won't stick to a magnet. Don't squash cans as this makes them more difficult to sort.Aluminium foil
WBC grey bins cannot take foil. A recent project to attempt foil recycling has closed. It must now go into your WBC green bin.Anti-freeze
Check with garage/body shop. Nationwide Recycling Environmental Services in Warrington collect specialist motor waste from garages and dealerships including oils, anti-freeze and unwanted batteries. Please let us know of any garages using their services.Art and craft materials
Donate to Wirral Play Council. Please phone (0151 650 0030 or 0151 201 7883) or email enquiries@wirralplaycouncil.org.uk if you think you have suitable materials to donate.Batteries
Ideally use rechargeables. Both Household and Nickel Cadmium batteries can be recycled at Clatterbridge, West Kirby and Bidston Waste Recycling Centres. Car batteries can be taken to any waste reception centre. Some garages also accept them for recycling.Bedding
Salvation Army, Poulton Ave Wallasey 0151 638 6899 (M,T,W,F only) or Birkenhead 652 2569 may collect. Accept bed linen, towels, also pillows, duvets, and quilts in good condition and will wash these. Can also be put in textile recycling banks.Books
Modern Educational / non-fiction. If schools have books or educational equipment they no longer need, Liverpool John Moores University run the Books For Tanzania scheme - contact 0151 231 3159 to find out more.Fiction: most charity shops or check with libraries for special schemes. Book banks available at some Wirral recycling centres. There is currently a collection bin for CDs records and books at Sainsbury's, Prenton.
Bric-a-brac
Most charity shops take small household goods but not electrical items, and not older furniture. Fire Resistant labelling is vital. Two specific possibilities are: Green Community Shop, Christchurch Road, Oxton, 0151 653 2269. YMCA shop, Grange Road, Birkenhead Tel: 647 2834 accepts electrical goods in working order, (except televisions and computer hardware). These are tested and sold.Cardboard
Brown card can be composted. Otherwise use WBC grey bins for clean cardboard, or take to any household waste sites.Carrier bags
Please use until these are torn. Plastic food bags for loose fruit and vegetables can also go to supermarket collection points at Sainsbury's and Tesco.CDs, DVDs
Trade in your unwanted CDs, DVDs and Magazine Give-away discs, or donate them to charity shops. Damaged and broken discs (including cases and cassettes) can be posted to Polymer Recycling, Peninsula Business Park, Reeds Lane, Moreton, Wirral, CH46 1DW. www.polymerrecycling.co.uk/ Tel: 707 3684There is currently a collection bin for CDs, records and books at Sainsbury's, Prenton.
Chemicals
Try to use biodegradable, phosphate free, non-toxic chemicals.To dispose of pesticides, insecticides, garden chemicals, household cleaning chemicals and so on, do not pour down drains - call MWDA on Tel: 0151 255 1444 to request disposal.
MWDA will take name and address details as well as details of items to be disposed of. All details are passed to the MWDA's collection and disposal contractor who will contact the resident to arrange a suitable date for collection from the home. The contractor collects as arranged and ensures packaging, transportation and disposal is carried out to all legislative requirements.
Turps / White Spirit - when you have washed your paintbrush, let the turps solution settle then re-use the clean turps again and again. Biffa and Veolia are very active in the Wirral area and can remove chemicals that are used on a large scale.
Christmas Cards
Use WBC grey bins for all greetings cards. W.H. Smith, Tesco and main Post Offices usually collect Christmas cards for recycling. Boots no longer do so.Christmas Trees
Chop and put in Brown Garden waste wheelie bin, or take to local MWDA sites in January for "chipping" / green waste skip.Clothes
Most charity shops accept good quality used clothing. From 28 Jan. 2008, customers who donate M&S clothes at Oxfam stores will get a voucher worth £5, to be redeemed when they spend £35 or more at M&S, valid for one month. Salvation Army 0151 355 2808 or 0151 677 4002.Beware commercial companies imitating charity doorstep collections. See www.safefromscams.co.uk/CharityHouseholdCollectionScams.html
Coins or Bank Notes
Any old British coins, bank notes or left over foreign holiday currency. Old British coins (the big ones) 50p 10p 5p 2p 1p etc. See Guide Dogs for the Blind Website www.gdba.org.uk/index.php?id=1653 For any further information call 0845 603 9779 Also foreign coins for charity are collected at Lloyds BankComputers
If they are still working, why not donate to a voluntary group or charity? Contact your local VCAW.CDL are available on - 01925 730033. They refurbish computers and send them on to third world countries. They can be found at www.computerdisposals.co.uk.
Create Liverpool, Speke Hall Road, Speke, Liverpool L24 9HA (next to Peoples Ford). Tel: 0151 448 1748. 9am to 5pm Monday - Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday.
Computers For Charity offers a secure and hassle-free way for companies to save money and benefit the community. They will collect redundant computer equipment free of charge and recycle it for use by charities, voluntary organizations and schools throughout the United Kingdom. For further information, please contact 01288 36 11 99 or see www.computersforcharity.org.uk.
Enterprise Recycling, Unit 1, Victoria Business Park, Victoria Rd, Rhyl, LL18 2EJ. 01745 343144, email rhylrecycling@scout-enterprises.co.uk Open 9.00am - 5.00pm, Mon -Fri and they also have branches in Porthmadog and Llandudno Junction.
Cooking oil
If you have a home composter you can pour small quantities onto it (it's best to mix it first with paper and cardboard). If not, put one polythene bag inside another (in case of holes), fill with absorbent material and fill slowly with cold oil, then place in the dustbin.Drinks Cartons
Rinse and flatten then take to bring sites at Tesco Heswall: Tesco Bidston; Library car park Greasby; Dee Lane car park, West Kirby: Asda Bromborough. Due soon Asda Liscard; Asda WoodchurchElectrical goods
CREATE www.createuk.com Tel: 448 1748 take washing machines, tumble driers, ovens, hobs for refurbishment but no small electrical goods or computers.Any electrical goods working and in good condition are accepted at the YMCA shop, Grange Road, Birkenhead Tel: 647 2834 or the British Heart Foundation charity shop on West Derby Road in Tuebrook 0844 499 4173. These are tested and sold.
When you buy new items, keep receipts, as under the WEEE directive suppliers must take back electrical goods bought from them for safe disposal when these no longer work.
Envelopes
Put out with rest of paper in WBC grey bins BUT please remove plastic windows. Buy recycled, or use again with re-use labels. These are now available to buy from the Centre for Alternative Technology www.cat.org.uk, in the on-line shop, or mail order 01654 705959.Fabric
Clean, unused fabric, ribbons, etc Wirral Play Council, 0151 650 0030 / 201 7883. www.wirralplaycouncil.org.ukFoil
See under Aluminium Foil, above.Furniture
St John' Hospice tel: 639 2531 will collect, but upholstery must have a fire retardant label www.stjohnshospice.org/fundrais_charity_main.htmlWIRE provides training and work experience for individuals who are long-term unemployed or unable to work due to illness or disability. Donated goods are refurbished and resold, with profits going back into training. Tel. 638 6691 enquiries@wire-ltd.com
St Vincent de Paul accepts all furniture and offers it to disadvantaged individuals and families. For collection tel. 0161 832 0259
Check our website www.la21.net/events.htm for local SWAP days with free collection and delivery within specified postcode area.
If your items are not suitable for reuse you may wish to arrange a bulky waste collection through Wirral Council's ERIC Service For details call Streetscene on 0151 606 2004 or ask at One Stop Shops.
Garden Waste
Compost at home whenever possible. Recycle using the WBC brown bin. Recycle larger amounts via the household waste sites at Clatterbridge, Bidston and West Kirby.Gas bottles
Do not place gas cylinders in your bin because they may explode if they are crushed.Old gas cylinders can be returned to the retailer or supplier. For gas cylinders other than Calor Gas, you can ring the LP Gas Association on 08457 626379 for advice. For Calor Gas Bottles, please call 0800 662 663 and they will tell you where to find your nearest Calor Gas Direct Outlet.
Glass / bottles / jam jars
Put in WBC grey bins. Re-use for making jam, washing paint brushes etc. Take to your nearest bottle bank. Wash them first.Jewellery
Old or new jewellery, from a single earring to a modern plastic necklace. In any condition, broken, outdated or simply no longer wanted, all can be recycled. See Guide Dogs for the Blind Website www.gdba.org.uk/index.php?id=1653 For any further information call 0845 603 9779.Junk Mail
Contact Mailing Preference Service www.mpsonline.org.uk, DMA House, 70 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SS or call MPS Registration line - 0845 703 4599 for details of how to cut down (but probably not completely eliminate) unwanted direct mail. Otherwise return to sender in reply paid envelope or recycle as paper in WBC grey bins.Keys
Any old or surplus keys that are no longer required can be recycled for their metal content. See Guide Dogs for the Blind Website www.gdba.org.uk/index.php?id=1653 For any further information call 0845 603 9779Large Items
Use Wirral Council's ERIC Service for the removal of up to six items of furniture, including large electrical goods / white goods. (£10 charge) Waiting time of approximately 10 days for collection. For details call Streetscene on 0151 606 2004 or ask at One Stop Shops. If you are able you can take your old fridge or freezer to Bidston Waste Recycling Centre.Magazines
May be welcomed in hospitals, waiting rooms, hairdressers etc. Otherwise recycle as paper in WBC grey bins. Remove plastic wrappers first.Medicines
Return to your pharmacy for safe destruction. Do not put in the bin, toilet etc.Mobile phones
Wirral Environmental Network is currently collecting old mobiles. They will be refurbished for use in developing countries. Please send them (stamps not required) to Greener Solutions, FREEPOST LONI7592, PO Box 32343, London, SW17 9ZZ. Please enclose a note saying that WLN is your nominated charity as we get a small payment for each phone donated. For further details, please phone us on 0151 639 2121 or email info@la21.netNappies
Lollipop (give advice and demonstrations) - contact Emma Erskinetel 07743 790260 or email emmy@missemmylou.com
Happybums - contact tel 200 3416 www.happybums.co.uk
Oil
It is illegal and highly polluting to pour engine oil down the drain. There are oil banks at all of Wirral's waste disposal sites. For large quantities of oil contact the National Oil Care Helpline 0800 663. Vegetable oil cannot be mixed with motor oil for recycling.See separate entry for cooking oil.
Paint
Community Repaint Wirral. Please check this website for details www.la21.net/crp.htm accepts most types of paints less than 8 years old, the paint is redistributed to community groups and individuals in need. For details contact Jim O'Neil 0151 639 2121, email jim@la21.netPaper
Wherever possible buy and use unbleached recycled paper products. Use the back of old photocopies, junk mail, etc for scrap paper by the telephone. Recycle using WBC grey bins. The Yellow Pages Directory Recycling Scheme offers a freephone recycling helpline - 0800 671 444. Wirral Play Council use paper to make papier mache. 0151 650 0030 / 201 7883.Photographs
If of local topographical interest, donate to your nearest library and simply ask them to pass on to the relevant library or records office.More general snaps can be sent to Barnardo's Photographic Archive, which is a fascinating insight into 19th and 20th century social history. Tel. 020 8498 7345
email stephen.pover@barnardos.org.uk
Plant cuttings
Friends of the Earth welcome rooted cuttings to sell at events and raise funds. Call June Davies, 638 1294. Check with local gardening clubs.Plastic bags
Refuse or re-use where possible. Some supermarkets accept bags for recycling. Plastic food bags for loose fruit and vegetables can go with carrier bags to supermarket collection points at Sainsbury's and Tesco. Charity shops often need clean carrier bags. Co-op now supply biodegradable bags.Plastic bottles
Recycle in your grey bin. Wash but don't squash and please put the tops back on as this aids the mechanical sorting process. The plastic bottle bank at Asda in Wallasey has now closed. Plastics can be taken to the recycling point in the car park adjacent to The Lodestar, Brook St, Neston.Plastic containers
Plastic yoghurt pots, fast food containers etc cannot be recycled. Place in WBC green bins.Plastic film
Send to Polyprint Mailing Films, Mackintosh Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6LJ. Tel. 01603 721807 It can be printed or plain but no paper labels please. Flatten or roll it and double wrap if there is a lot. It is bulky but light so cheap to post.Polystyrene
Save-a-Cup Recycling Co supply drinks machines using recyclable hard walled polystyrene cups. Tel. 1494 510167Printer & toner cartridges
Send your printer or toner cartridges to www.greensource.co.uk who sell them on to raise funds for charities. You can ask them to send preprinted envelopes or arrange collection if it involes a large number of toner cartridges. Greensource Solutions, 14 Kingsland Trading Estate, St Philips Road, Bristol BS2 0JZ. Tel: 0117 304 2390PVC-u
Nearest recyclers for doors, window franes, gutters etc are Recovinyl, in Manchester ( 0161 426 7731) or Axion, Langley Rd South, Salford M6 6HQ (0161 737 6124)Rags
British Red Cross shops get money for their work by selling rags. Deliver to shops in Bromborough 343 0056, Upton 604 0913, New Ferry 644 1997, Birkenhead 666 1160, Hoylake 632 6937, Moreton 677 7316, Prenton 608 3372. Please clearly mark bags rags to distinguish from sale items.Records (vinyl)
Specialist record shops still buy and sell vinyl LPs, singles and even 78s in good condition. Charity shops welcome vinyl donations (no more James Last or Sound Of Music LPs please). Record Fairs and Ebay are also a good place to trade or sell your vinyl. There is currently a collection bin for CDs records and books at Sainsbury's, Prenton.If you have a large amount that you want collected, ring Recyclertex on 647 6532.
Scrap Metal
Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority Waste Recycling Centres. (see front page of guide)Sewing Machines
Singer machines:Tools for Self Reliance www.tfsr.org, Stephen Pillow 0151 334 6318. Other brands: Out of Africa. Julie Martin, 01202 694 492.Shoes / trainers
Many shoe shops take shoes and trainers to be recycled or resold in aid or charity shops. Check with yours.Spectacles
Many opticians collect these for use in developing countries. Check with yours. Alternatively, send clean, good condition spectacles well wrapped (without case) and pack them in a sturdy cardboard box clearly marked to: Vision Aid Overseas, 12 The Bell Centre, Newton Road, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 2FZ enclosing a compliments slip (so that they know who to thank). www.vao.org.ukStamps
Donate your unwanted foreign and British stamps to RNIB• Leave about 1cm of envelope bordering each stamp. The rest of the envelope can be discarded (which will make it cheaper to send).
• Separate the stamps into British or Overseas
Collected stamps should be sent to:
RNIB Stamp Recycling, PO Box 185, BENFLEET, SS7 9BH
Tetrapaks
See drinks cartons section above.Tools
Tools for Self Reliance www.tfsr.org ship tools to Africa. Also accept Singer sewing machines. Contact Stephen Pillow 0151 334 6318.Tyres
Tyres can be accepted at West Kirby (Greenbank Road) and Clatterbridge (Mount Road) Household Waste Recycling Centres.Valve Radios
Pete Roberts (Runcorn) will service and repair many makes of valve radios (and other valve gear), and 1950s and '60s transistor radios. Email PeteRoberts007@aol.comWallpaper
Any UNOPENED rolls of wallpaper and borders can be given to us at Wirral Environmental Network. We offer the wallpaper for reuse as part of our Community RePaint Scheme ...[more]For more details tel 0151 639 2121, or email us:info@la21.net
Any OPENED rolls to go in the grey bin please.
Watches
All watches needed from a Rolex (or cheap copies) to a free plastic watch. Metal, leather or plastic straps, or without straps. Pocket watches, bracelet watches, novelty watches. In working order or broken, it doesn't matter! See Guide Dogs for the Blind Website www.gdba.org.uk/index.php?id=1653 For any further information call 0845 603 9779Water Filters
Britta water filters can be recycled at Sainsburys stores.Wedding dresses
Oxfam have a department at Heswall for wedding & bridesmaid dresses. Donate at any branch. Viewing and purchases on Saturdays, or by appointment.Wellies
Dunlop Hevea recycle these but cannot collect. Stephen Ellis 07775 765 704. Also ask at your local shoe shop. Many take these for use in developing countries.White Goods
Cookers, washing machines, fridges, freezers etc. See large items.Wirral Toy Library
Wirral Toy Library, Woodchurch Lane, Prenton. 0151 608 8288 would be grateful for:Used stamps: if your envelopes are too tatty for re-use, just tear / cut stamps from envelopes, leaving about ¼" paper all around. Don't remove from paper.
Toys: ring to see if they can make use of them. If not, give to charity shop (NOT electrical items).
Wirral Play Council
www.wirralplaycouncil.org.uk can use the following materials for use in arts and craft activities with children - Paper or card off cuts. Rope, ribbon and string. Fabric, wool and thread. Wallpaper and paint. Packaging materials. Please phone (0151 650 0030 or 0151 201 7883) or email enquiries@wirralplaycouncil.org.uk if you think you have suitable materials to donate.Information is supplied in good faith and we have tried to be as accurate and up-to-date as we can, but we take no responsibility for any problems however caused. If you spot a mistake, or would like to add to this list, please contact us.
Wirral Environmental Network, Sandon Building, Falkland Road, Wallasey, CH44 8ER.
Tel 0151 639 2121, or email us:info@la21.net
Remember to print on both sides of the paper!
Distributed in conjunction with Transition Town West Kirby (www.transitiontownwestkirby.org.uk) 0151 632 5366