By Anthony Chadwick

October 14th marked International E-Waste Day, and it’s an important reminder of the growing problem of electronic waste. Did you know that there’s approximately £266 million worth of copper sitting unused in drawers across the UK, primarily in cables that people no longer use? Even worse, these cables often end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to pollution and the waste of valuable resources.

To raise awareness of the issue, I recently recorded a podcast with Laura-Ashley Crehan from REPIC, where we discussed practical ways we can all make a difference in reducing e-waste. One key takeaway was the importance of recycling electronic items like cables, old computers, laptops, phones, and tablets. Listen Here!

At the upcoming London Vet Show (LVS), we’ll have a dedicated recycling box where attendees can drop off old cables, ensuring they are responsibly recycled. We’re also working on organising collections of old electronics from veterinary practices, helping to clear out those unused items while supporting the environment.

What’s more, we hope to raise money by repurposing or recycling these items, and any proceeds will be donated to environmental causes like the Lancashire Wildlife Trust or the London Beaver Project, led by Sean McCormack. This initiative aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Speaking of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, I was honoured to be the keynote speaker at their Volunteers’ Day event, where I presented a talk on the topic, “Back from the Brink.” The environmental crisis is indeed severe, but I believe there’s still time to act, and it was inspiring to meet so many passionate individuals working hard to make a difference.

We all have a role to play in this battle against waste and environmental degradation. If you have old electronics gathering dust, consider donating them for recycling. Together, we can help reduce e-waste, protect the planet, and support vital conservation efforts.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to bring your old cables to the LVS!