Since the WEEE regulations came in, I have been telling everyone at Alara that we mustn’t put anything with a plug in the bins and likewise we should not put any batteries in the bins either. This is fine in theory except that until now I didn’t really know how I was going to get them recycled. I have a draw full of dead batteries and a graveyard of electrical items that don’t work anymore. It’s fine if all you have is computers – there are lots of companies that will collect and recycle them. Most computer retailers even offer take back schemes for equipment that you are replacing like for like. But what if you have the odd broken fan, the occasional blown up toaster or equipment that you’re not replacing like for like? Then what do you do? Because as a business we’re not allowed to take them to a municipal recycling centre because that is for public use only and there are no WEEE recycling companies that will make collections for such small amounts…

Or so I thought…

But then I came across a company called First Mile. They are a small recycling company that offers a one-stop shop for small business that want to start recycling. For me, the most useful service they offer is the battery bags and WEEE recycling bags. Basically you buy a battery bag at £25, fill it with batteries and when it’s full you give First Mile a call and they will come to your office to collect it. The £25 that you pay for the bag covers the bag itself, the collection from your office and all the paperwork that goes with it, so there are no extra or hidden charges. The bag isn’t massive so you don’t have to wait for years before it’s full unlike most of the other companies that are offering similar services. The WEEE bag works in exactly the same way. I think this is a great service for small businesses and one that was very much needed as it’s so easy!