Householders are being urged to get in the spirit of the UK’s annual Recycle Week by donating mobile phones and ink cartridges to their local air ambulance.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is encouraging people to take part in Recycle Week, taking place from 22-28 June, in a bid to raise vital funds for the aircraft.
The week’s theme is ‘recycling around the home’ and the charity are keen to promote their mobile phone and ink cartridge service for those who wish to have a clear-out.
John Ballan, team manager at GNAAS Trading Company, said: “This is a great way for people to turn old goods into life-saving support. Many of us have old mobiles lying at the back of our drawers and we ask that you please don’t throw them away.
“Millions of phones end up in landfill each year, but if they are recycled, it eliminates this threat to the planet’s resources and helps to keep the aircraft flying.”
As well as phones, ink and toner cartridges can be recycled with GNAAS and many of the region’s biggest offices support the charity in this way. Large collections can be picked up on a regular or one-off basis by the GNAAS team.
Mr Ballan continued: “It is great when community groups get involved because this way we can make one stop at a venue such as a village hall or church. If anyone wishes to help, please get in touch.”
Ink cartridges and phones can be brought to the charity’s recycling site at Aycliffe Industrial Park (DL5 6EJ), the Head Office at Darlington (DL1 5NQ) or the Penrith office, (CA11 7TJ). For large collections, please call 01325-308139.