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Unwanted small electrical goods will soon be picked up from the kerbside for recycling.

The Government plans to introduce the service in 2026 to boost recovering precious components.

Ministers are also looking at using shops for people to drop-off discarded items.

Also, retailers would be made to take away for free larger items when delivering replacements.

Many major retailers offer a paid-for collection service.

More than 155,000 tonnes of small electrical items – such as cables, toasters, kettles, and power tools – are thrown away each year.

And more than 500 tonnes of Christmas lights are discarded in the UK each year.

Many contain rare metals that have to be mined.

Recycling minister Robbie Moore said the plans would ensure goods avoid being needlessly thrown away.

“Every year millions of household electricals across the UK end up in the bin rather than being correctly recycled or reused.

“This is a sheer waste of our natural resources and has to stop.”

The government will also consult on ensuring vape suppliers fund collections of single-use products to avoid them ending up in landfill.

It’s estimated five million vapes are thrown away every week – almost four times higher than last year.

Jacob Hayler, the Environmental Services Association’s executive director, welcomed the plans.

He said: “It would simpler and more convenient for households to recycle electrical items at home.

“On behalf of those operating recycling centres and kerbside collection services, we welcome the opportunity to contribute through consultation and help create an effective system that delivers on its intended outcomes and works, not just for householders, but for obligated producers and retailers too.”