People in Lichfield and Burntwood are being asked to recycle old goods due to be replaced at Christmas.

Thousands of unwanted or broken household electrical applicances are thrown away across Staffordshire to make way for new gifts.

But Staffordshire County Council is asking people to donate their unwanted goods as part of a new campaign.

Cllr Mark Winnington, Cabinet member for the economy, environment and transport, said: “It is at this time of year when we all tend to have a bit of a clear out, but this year we’re asking people not to throw away their old electrical items but to recycle them instead.

“It’s amazing what can be made from old electrical items. For example there’s enough steel in an iron to produce a dozen tin cans and there’s precious metals in old computers which can be used to make jewellery.

“Increasing recycling here in Staffordshire remains a priority for us, it’s good for the environment, and for the planet and can save local tax payers money too. Everyone’s a winner with recycling, so remember to recycle your old electrical items this Christmas.”

To find out what can be recycled, visit www.recycleanappliance.co.uk.

Items sent to local household recycling centres will be sent to the Katharine House hospice shop in Cannock where they will be tested and sold to raise money for charity.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.