UNWANTED computers, televisions and laptops were among items handed in to West Devon Borough Council last week as part of a free electrical waste amnesty day.

Local businesses were able to take part by arranging a free collection of their old electronic devices in advance or by turning up on the day.

Council staff were on hand to help with the event at the council's offices in Kilworthy Park in Tavistock.

In total, the pile of electrical items weighed approximately three quarters of a tonne.

The council teamed up with waste recycling business, WeeeCare, to collect electronic and electrical equipment in an effort to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

The waste is taken to a UK recycling facility where the items are sorted for recycling. All computers and laptops are securely wiped of any data.

The council's waste minimisation and recycling officer, Andy Barron, said: 'Lots of computers and laptops were handed in and it's great to think they have now been diverted away from landfill.

'This event was an ideal opportunity for small businesses to get their unwanted electronic items recycled for free.'  

West Devon residents can take their unwanted household electrical and electronic waste to the recycling centres in Okehampton and Tavistock. The locations and opening times of the centres can be found at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk or call 0845 155 1010.

Businesses wanting to recycle their electrical and electronic waste can contact WeeeCare on 0800 091 0000.