NEW recycling banks for unwanted or broken small electrical appliances have been introduced in Ammanford and the Towy Valley.

The move comes as Carmarethenshire county council, in conjunction with DHL Envirosolutions, looks to encourage people to recycle their appliances.

The banks are two of four new WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) facilities introduced around the county.

The banks are located at Penybanc Road carpark in Ammanford and near the bus stop Pont Melinddwr in Llansawel. Other banks have been introduced in St Clears and Burry Port.

County residents are able to take small electronic and electrical items such as hairdryers, radios, toasters, kettles and mobile phones; in fact any electrical item that can fit inside the bin will be accepted, recycled and turned into something new.

Executive Board member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “Everyone knows that you can recycle paper, cans and glass, but few people realise that old electrical items such as toasters and power tools can also be recycled.

“It’s important that we recycle as much of our waste as possible.

“We are working hard to improve recycling rates in Carmarthenshire and these new banks will make it much easier for people to recycle and help us achieve our targets.”

Last year the county recycled around 54% of its rubbish but must achieve a target of 58% by 2015/16 rising to 70% by 2025. Failure to reach the Welsh Government targets could result in large financial penalties.

The WEEE banks are not able to accept large electrical items such as televisions or fridges. Residents can either take these items to their nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre or arrange for a bulky waste collection for a small charge.

If you have a washing machine, cooker or tumble dryer and dishwasher to get rid of, Gwyn i Wyrdd will collect it for free.

Gwyn i Wyrdd is a reuse and repair scheme for white goods appliances. Visit www.gwyniwyrdd.co.uk

Other WEEE banks are located at Werddu, Ammanford, and Llangadog.