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In addition to the 30,000 households currently taking part in the Harlow scheme, the Epping Forest extension will now bring the total number of households able to recycle their batteries up to 65,400.

The scheme, which is now being run by Epping Forest District Council, Harlow Council and ECCO in partnership with WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), was originally launched in Harlow in April 2006. Since then, more than 40,400 batteries have been collected – the equivalent of over one tonne of waste being diverted from landfill to be recycled.

Councillor Mrs Mary Sartin, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Protection, said:
"We are extremely pleased that this important recycling scheme is extending to our district. I'm sure local people will be really eager to participate and make battery recycling a regular habit.|

Chris Davey Manager Local Authority Relations at WRAP said:
"By making battery recycling simple and easy, we aim to encourage more people to recycle their batteries rather than throwing them away. This will help divert some of the estimated 600 million batteries that are used in the UK every year from landfill and help protect the environment as well."

The Epping Forest trial will cover households in the built up areas of Loughton, Chigwell Waltham Abbey, Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, Epping, North Weald, Ongar, Nazeing and Roydon Village. Blocks of flats with multiple occupancy properties are unfortunately not included in this trial.  Residents will be provided with a small cardboard box to put their batteries in for recycling which should then be left on the boundary of their property on the date shown on the box. Batteries will be collected on a three-monthly basis.

Size AAA, AA, C and D size household batteries - as well as button, mobile phone, laptop and rechargeable batteries can be recycled through this kerbside scheme. Residents in flats that don't have access to the scheme can still take their batteries to their local Recycling Centre for Household Waste.  Car or similar batteries cannot be accepted for recycling through this scheme – these should also be taken to a Recycling Centre for Household Waste.

The schemes will be evaluated at the end of March 2008. Results from the different battery recycling trials will help identify the most effective collection strategy to enable the UK to meet the Batteries Directive, which requires the collection of 25% of all household batteries by 2012.