Oldcastle to host free electronic recycling event

The European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland"s only pan-European compliance scheme for electrical and waste battery recycling, is returning to Meath this weekend for a free recycling day. The event, which will take place on Saturday June in Gilson Park, Oldcastle, is part of ERP"s new 'Be Free" campaign aimed at encouraging people to be free of their electrical waste and used batteries. Saturday"s event will run from 10am to 4pm. The events are a one-stop-shop for all electronic recycling needs. People can bring along items such as TVs, washing machines, IT equipment, fridge-freezers and stereos - anything that has, or indeed had, a battery or plug, and ERP will recycle it free of charge. On display will be ERP"s recycled garden, a life-size kitchen with magnificent floral displays growing out of various waste kitchen appliances. Recyclers on the day will receive a thank you card containing a seed mat of local wild, cottage, medicinal and herbal plants. Over 74 tonnes of electronic waste was collected in Meath last year, from recycling days alone. Some 25 tonnes was collected by ERP in Ashbourne on 16th May last. Martin Tobin, general manager of ERP Ireland, said: 'Meath people are keen recyclers and we are delighted to be returning to the county this week. We collected the equivalent in weight of over 3.5 double decker buses of electrical waste in Ashbourne last month and we are hoping to top this figure in Oldcastle. 'The 'Be Free" recycling days in Oldcastle will take a fresh approach to recycling and we hope will inspire people and encourage them to recycle their electrical appliances and divert unnecessary waste from Meath"s landfills.'