Farnell element14, the development distributor, is redirecting over 10 tonnes of waste from landfill each year through its recycling scheme. The scheme has recycled almost two million reels and over 200,000 waffle trays, amounting to 83 tonnes of avoided waste since launch in 2011.

Over 250 customers use Farnell element14’s recycling programme which allows them to send back empty reels and JEDEC waffle trays, free of charge, from anywhere in Europe. The recycling scheme is unique in the electronic component industry, saving customers money as well as reducing the amount of waste going into landfill and reducing their carbon footprint.

Once reels and waffle trays are collected, Farnell element14 works with UK-based not-for-profit Social Enterprise Co-operative, Enabled Works and Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Humber to remove labels and prepare them for reuse, providing job opportunities for the disabled and prisoners.

Mathew Thorpe, Regional Sales Director – UK and Ireland, Farnell element14, says: “As a leading distributor in the electronics industry, Farnell element14 is committed to reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill from its operations. Our free-of-charge recycling scheme, available to customers across Europe, is part of delivering against this commitment, saving money for customers and helping them achieve their own targets for reduced waste.”

Karla Darby-Hardman, Customer Relations & Procurement Manager for BitBox said: “We have been using the scheme for over 5 years. It benefits us because it saves on space and we are looking to get accredited in the ISO14001 standard.”