Battery and clothing recycling points removed

Recolight banks that collect bulbs and batteries at recycling points across Cambridge are being removed over the next few weeks.

The reason for removal is that Recolight (the company that own the banks) have stated they are no longer in a position to maintain them. They are likely to be removed up to ten days before the end of lease date which is 6 December 2025.

Options for disposing of bulbs and batteries have changed considerably since we first leased the Recolight banks and residents can now take their used batteries and lamps to most retailers and supermarkets to be recycled.

Residents local to these sites have been informed and signposted to alternative options. Signage is currently be added to each location notifying of the removal plan for those that may not be aware.

The pink small electrical bring banks will continue to be available to residents,  and we will also continue to campaign to reduce batteries and other electrical waste going into kerbside blue bins.

All sites will be monitored regularly post removal to capture any fly-tipped bulbs or batteries that may be left.

Textile bank changes

The Salvation Army have notified us of the removal of several clothing banks across Cambridge. The decision to remove these banks was made by the Salvation Army because the banks are no longer viable due to the falling market value of the clothes.

Unfortunately, we were given very little notice of the removal plans, and in some cases banks were removed before we were informed.

We are currently exploring the possibility of alternative textile off-takers, but it is possible that other organisations are in a similar position. We will write to update you if this position changes.

The removal of some banks does mean that there is no longer a recycling point at some locations.

Before is a summary of the status of the recycling points affected by changes to bulb/battery and textile banks.

• Abbey Pool – bulb/battery bank due for removal, textile bank removed
• Arbury Court – textile bank removed – no recycling banks left at this location
• Beehive Centre – textile bank removed – no recycling banks left at this location
• Byron Square – textile bank removed – no recycling banks left at this location
• Cherry Hinton Hall – bulb/battery bank due for removal, textile bank removed – no recycling banks left at this location
• Chesterton Recreation Ground – textile bank removed – no recycling banks left at this location
• Daily Bread – bulb/battery bank due for removal
• George IV Street – textile bank removed – no recycling banks left at this location
• Tesco Cheddars Lane – bulb/battery bank due for removal
• Waitrose – bulb/battery bank due for removal
• Lammas Land – bulb/battery bank due for removal