Trial update phase 5
The fifth evaluation period took place between 1st October 2006 and 31st December 2006. Responses were received from 10 out of the 12 partners.
We have collected 27.2 tonnes of batteries! – which is well over 1 million batteries.
Overall comments
Some partners have seen an increase in the number of householders participating in the trials while others stated that participation and yield remain broadly unchanged. WRAP and the partners anticipate that the levels will increase after the Christmas period. In addition, householders are still proactive and are continuing to request more bags.
‘Good. The participation seems to be picking up. I think this is due to people saving their batteries before putting them out’
‘Participation and yield rates remain broadly unchanged’
‘Excellent. we have seen a steady flow of batteries and are pleased to see that residents are still recycling them’
‘The trial is running well across all of our rounds participating. Additionally, we receive requests from householders for information/bags’
‘They all want bags!!!!’
‘People continue to use the service, seem happy with it and continue to request additional bags for future usage’
‘The scheme has been running smoothly over the reporting period. The amount of batteries being collected has now levelled out; however I anticipate after the Christmas and New Year period the amount of batteries collected will rise’
‘Our customers are very happy with the battery recycling service and hope it will continue’
Crew feedback
The addition of a battery collection scheme seemed to have fitted naturally with our partner’s previous recycling service.
‘There are no problems whatsoever. The collection of batteries has fitted in naturally with our multi-materials collection’
‘Crews feel the collections are running smoothly’
‘Crews are now well aware of their specific and constant customers and this makes collecting swift and simple’
Householders feedback
Householders are very pleased to be able to recycle their batteries. In addition, introducing batteries as another material that can be recycled appears to have raised the profile of existing recycling systems. Some of the partners have also received some calls from residents outside participating areas asking to extend the battery trials to their areas
‘All householders have been delighted with the service and it has raised the profile of the kerbside recycling scheme considerably’
‘Batteries have been accepted within the current range of materials without any issues’
‘Householders are extremely pleased to be involved with the trial’
‘When new kerbside participants receive their kerbside box and recycling information – they are surprised and pleased that they can recycle batteries through the kerbside service’
‘Most householders are very happy that they have a method of disposal for their batteries that is environmentally friendly’
‘We have received a considerable amount of calls from residents asking when the scheme is to be extended across Harlow as a whole’
WRAP's action
The following problems have been identified by the partners:
Size of bags
‘Maybe need to communicate a better use of the collection bags – in terms of putting out the bag with more than 1 battery in it and not overfilling it’
‘Overfilled bags spilt’
‘Bags with only 1 battery being put out for collection (in terms of wastage of bags)’
WRAP’s comments – as explained in the previous reports, householders can request additional bags/boxes by calling the participating local authority. Every battery counts and WRAP does not want to discourage residents putting out small number of batteries. The plastic bags are made from recycled plastic and will be recycled after use.
Loose batteries
‘Residents do not appear to be requesting more bags from the council, and are placing their loose batteries in the boxes. this proves to be a problem as they can contaminate other recyclates’
‘Loose batteries are the biggest problem. Around 10% of batteries collected are not in the right bag, but this doesn’t really present a problem’
WRAP’s comments – WRAP has modified the bags for the next production run making sure that the instructions are clearer and WRAP is also in the process of redistributing bags/boxes to the participating households.
