Tyne and Wear charity now recycles small appliances

Renew North East, a north-east charity, working closely with Tyne and Wear councils to increase the employability of local people, makes a significant contribution to the reduction of the amount of electrical waste in the area. The products refurbished by Renew are sold back to the public with a six-month guarantee at reduced prices.
Until recently, Renew, which has been operating since 1997, has been refurbishing only large electrical appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, cookers and refrigeration. Due to popular demand and the need for advanced training for the technicians, they have now included the refurbishment of Philips small appliances, which includes haircare equipment, kettles, irons, toasters, vacuums, sunbeds, deep fat fryers, juicers and food processors etc.
Renew trains unemployed people to recycle and refurbish electrical appliances. During 2007, in conjunction with local councils, 10,000 appliances were collected of which 1,000 appliances were suitable for reuse, equating to approximately 100 tonnes of scrap metal being saved from landfill. The remainder was recycled in accordance with the WEEE regulations.
The trainees receive practical work experience, enabling them to obtain NVQ qualifications in Performing Manufacturing Operations to help them to gain full- time employment in the future. The revenue from the resale of the appliances to the public and trade allows for the development of such training programmes.
For more information on Renew North East and its services visit http://www.renewnortheast.com/ or contact 0191 4697068.