People in Bracknell went out in their droves to take advantage of a free recycling event at the leisure centre last weekend.

The event, organised by Bracknell Forest Council, is held irregularly during the year to give residents a free opportunity to get rid of items they don’t use any more.

The Recycling Event took place from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Bracknell Leisure Centre in the sunny Spring weather.

Items people threw away included old electrical items and leads, toasters, hairdryers, radios and clothing.

Pictures show residents throwing away clocks, a keyboard,  a steam iron, a kettle and a DVD VHS player.

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Winkfield resident Bob Clyde, who was at the event, said: “Once again the Recycling Event was another great community success to recycle more and combat climate change.

“A great way for residents to recycle and declutter, another option to going to the main Recycling Centre at Longshot Lane.

“Such a growing waste problem from today’s modern living on our planet, that can clutter anyone’s living space.

“And it means this stuff will not end up in landfill.”

Bracknell News: Residents of Bracknell getting rid of their old items at the recycling event. Bob Clyde pictured third to the right. Credit: Paul KingResidents of Bracknell getting rid of their old items at the recycling event. Bob Clyde pictured third to the right. Credit: Paul King

Typically waste can be disposed at the re3 centre in Longshot Lane.

Although the recycling of most waste is free, a time slot for depositing the waste has to be booked and charges apply for throwing away rubble, soil, plasterboard and gas bottles and canisters.

Mr Clyde said recycling is important as it can help create jobs and reduce the burden waste has on the planet.

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However, there was some confusion as the bins were moved from the normal location in the main car park to the overflow car park off South Hill Road.

The bins had to be relocated as the usual place in the main car park has been taken up by a walk-in coronavirus testing centre.

Some rubbish had been deposited in a veolia skip in the main car park not far from the entrance to the leisure centre.

Items thrown in the skip included a ping pong table, recycleables such as drinks bottles and cans, garden rakes, a boot and a swimming badges board.

Bracknell News: The veolia skip near the entrance to Bracknell Leisure Centre. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting ServiceThe veolia skip near the entrance to Bracknell Leisure Centre. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The recycling event was advertised to residents by receiving a kerbside bin hanger with information on the date, time and what to bring along.

Those who took part received a 500 point bonus to use on their Bracknell Forest Council E+ Card as a thank you.

The E+ Card is used as a membership card for the leisure centre and Downshire Golf Complex, and provides discounts for participating local shops and Coral Reef Waterworld.

Mr Clyde said: “I want to say thank you to the other residents who came together on the day.

“The next recycling event is expected to take place in September, so don’t miss out, start collecting your items!

“The council staff did a great job on the day, recycling can only get better in Bracknell.

“If you’re in doubt about what can and can’t be recyled check out the amazing and informative Bracknell Forest Council recycling website.”