The EC directive, (please don't groan to loudly on reading the words EC directive, this is good news to reduce landfill) Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) came into force in England on 1 July 2007 with the aim of reducing the amount of waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment.

One year on, changes made to help residents have proved successful in bringing the amount of WEEE waste collected in Croydon per head to 4.75 kg - the national target is 4 kg per head of population.

Containers at the council's three Reuse and Recycling Centres at Factory Lane, Fishers Farm and Purley Oaks have been increased to make it easier for residents to dispose of their items ranging from televisions to electric toothbrushes.

All items are collected, dismantled and recycled where possible.

For example, PC monitors and TVs go to Light Brothers which uses specialist staff and technology to de-pollute, de-manufacture and process equipment.

If you can't get your old appliances to the recycling centres the council charges £15 per visit to collect domestic white goods - ring 020 8726 6200 or visit the council website for more details.

Alternatively, the Appliance Reuse Centre (ARC) will collect on behalf of the council and refurbish and guarantee items for sale at its centre at 23 Grafton Road, Croydon, CR0 3RP.

Residents can find good quality washing machines, cookers, fridges and freezers, TVs and computers at the centre which is open from 9-4 weekdays and until 7 pm Thursdays.

Ring 020 8662 8002 for more details.

Also, lf you have appliances that you are getting rid of, not because they no longer work but for other reasons, like moving house or updating a kitchen, then you could always ask your local church if they have any members or know of households in need.

This is what I have done in the past and have found very happy recipients.