A new chapter in Highland recycling began this month as ILM Highland, in partnership with The Highland Council, rolled out a monthly household electrical collection service, starting with a warm community launch in Fort Augustus.
Locals gathered at the Village Hall car park on Friday 2 May to witness the service in action and meet the dedicated team behind it, as a new van and vision were introduced to tackle one of the region’s fastest-growing waste challenges.
From broken to barely-used, the service welcomes electrical items of all sizes, offering Highland residents a simple way to clear out clutter while protecting the planet.
The scheme covers Fort Augustus, Caol, Kinlochleven, Mallaig, Kingussie, Golspie, Melvich and Bettyhill, Kinlochbervie, Aultbea, Kyleakin, Lochcarron, Raasay and Sconser.
With £135,000 in funding secured from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, the new initiative aims to make electrical recycling easier and more accessible across rural communities.
Four Household Waste Recycling Centres will soon offer improved drop-off points too, with equipment separated for reuse wherever possible.
It’s not just about getting rid of the old.
By repairing and reselling items that still have life left in them, ILM Highland is keeping valuable resources in use while supporting its wider mission as a social enterprise.
Every penny earned goes back into the community through vital home improvement services for vulnerable residents.
Martin Macleod, CEO of ILM Highland, said the project is another step forward in reducing waste and boosting local support.
He thanked the people of Fort Augustus for their warm welcome and Highland Council for their close partnership on the project.
Items with plugs, cables or batteries are all fair game, from kettles and hairdryers to laptops and lamps.
While vapes are not accepted, lithium batteries from tools can be handed in.
The heart of the project is circular economy thinking — reducing waste, reusing where possible and recycling responsibly.
David Gunn from Zero Waste Scotland called the service a fantastic step for rural Highland communities, making it easier than ever for households to do their part for the environment.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Council’s Communities and Place Committee, said the region has the highest level of e-waste per capita in Europe.
That startling fact is why this project matters.
It helps cut carbon, recover rare metals from our old tech, and create jobs where they’re most needed.
For more details on collection times and accepted items, residents can visit www.highland.gov.uk/recycle
