COMPUTER RECYCLING - GOOD FOR DISABLED PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Aug 2007

Liz (l) handing in her old computer equipment to Operations Director Tony Whitcher (c) and participant recycler Matthew Thomas (r)

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne is urging more of us to recycle our electrical equipment this summer.

After the strict European Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive came into force last month, businesses, councils and other organisations must now make sure that their old equipment is recycled or safely disposed of.

Liz is Patron of Worcestershire Lifestyles, a charity which recycles computer equipment at minimal cost to the donor, and uses it to provide disabled people with work and training. After visiting their workshop in Worcester today, Liz said:

"Far too many people used to throw out their old electric equipment without thinking that even if not working, it can still be of great use to other people, and now with the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment Directive it is illegal to do this."

"Worcestershire Lifestyles and other charities across the region can turn what some people regard as rubbish into a source of learning, employment and access to services which they may not have otherwise had."

"By repairing and reusing the equipment or by safely disposing of it through such a charity, people are given new opportunities and its potentially hazardous contents are not being dumped elsewhere and left to pollute the environment."

"I have been happy to see my old office computers move on to somewhere where they will make a difference to people's lives and I encourage other organisations and businesses to do the same."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Various charities across the region provide homes for old computer equipment.

Worcestershire Lifestyles recycles computers at its Lifetech Recycling workshop in Checketts Lane, Worcester, providing disabled people with learning and work opportunities. Other services they offer for disabled people include educational courses, life skills, art appreciation and help and support to live independently via its Focus Project. They also have a shop in Lowesmoor, Worcester, Just Lifestyles, selling a wide variety of household goods and furniture. More information via: http://www.worcestershire-lifestyles.org.uk/ or 01905 756067.

More information on the WEEE Directive can be found at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/1745440/444663/1106248/