Between May and December 2025, Highland residents helped recycle more than 32.9 tonnes of household electricals through ILM Highland’s Household Electrical Recycling Collection Service – a huge success that highlights the power of local action in creating a more sustainable region.

Since its launch, the service has made it easier for people across the Highlands to dispose of unwanted or broken electricals responsibly – keeping valuable materials in use and reducing environmental impact. Alongside this, a wider network of 21 pink electrical recycling bins across communities collected a further 81.8 tonnes of electrical waste, strengthening access to recycling and helping even more material stay out of landfill.

A collective success

ILM Highland CEO Martin MacLeod said:

“We’re incredibly proud of what communities across the Highlands have achieved. Every item recycled represents less waste, more resources recovered, and greater local impact. It’s a real example of how collective action – supported by simple, accessible recycling services – can deliver tangible benefits for both people and the planet.”

Putting it into perspective – the Highland way

32.93 tonnes might sound abstract, so here’s what that looks like in Highland terms:

• Around 18 Highland cows – hair included.
• Roughly 6 traditional croft cottages.
• Over 16,000 pairs of walking boots – enough to hike the Great Glen Way a few times over.
• About 11 Land Rover Defenders – a true Highland workhorse.
• Around 5,500 mature Scots pine trees – representing the environmental value kept out of landfill.

Keeping value in the Highlands

Every item collected through the service is reused, recycled, or responsibly processed at ILM Highland’s SEPA-approved facility in Alness – helping reduce environmental harm and conserve valuable materials.

Separately, ILM Highland’s Rescued & Ready reuse programme diverted an additional 4.4 tonnes of electrical items back into reuse, giving working products a second life and supporting affordable access to essential household goods. This reuse activity sits alongside, but outside of, the household collection service and plays a key role in keeping value circulating locally.

This milestone shows how practical, community-led recycling can deliver both environmental and social impact – helping people, protecting the planet, and keeping value right here in the Highlands.

To find out more about ILM Highland’s Household Electrical Recycling Collection Service, visit:
https://www.ilmhighland.co.uk/waste-electrical-recycling/household-electrical-recycling-collection-service/