Kerbside recycling for electricals, batteries and vapes

Test Valley Borough Council is expected to launch the service the week commencing January 25, 2027, following approval by its cabinet on Wednesday, November 4.

Cllr David Drew, portfolio holder for recycling and environmental services, said: "We know that many people want to do the right thing with unwanted electrical items, batteries and vapes, but they are not always easy to recycle.

"This new service will make recycling these everyday items much simpler by allowing residents to leave them out on their collection day.

"As well as giving people another convenient way to recycle, the scheme will help reduce the fire risk caused by batteries and vapes entering the waste stream and ensure more valuable materials are recovered for reuse."

Households will be able to leave small electrical items, batteries and disposable vapes in a plastic bag beside their waste or recycling bins for separate collection.

The scheme will begin with around 55,000 properties.

Homes that use shared bins in bin stores will be included in a later phase as the council trials different solutions.

The service forms part of the council's wider work to improve recycling services across the borough.