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Inhalers

The propellants used in pressurised canister inhalers are powerful greenhouse gases. Even after the inhaler is spent significant amounts of these environmentally damaging gases remain in the canister. All used inhalers should be returned to a pharmacy to be disposed of safely. They can be disposed of by the pharmacist with other drugs waste, this is then thermally treated to destroy the greenhouse gases. This environmentally safe disposal route is available at all pharmacies and is paid for by NHS England. If every inhaler-user in the UK returned all their inhalers for one year, this could save 512,330 tonnes of CO2eq - the same as a VW Golf car being driven around the world 88,606 time

Ink and toner cartridges

Empty ink and toner cartridges can often be collected by the company that provided them. There are many charities that will accept unwanted ink cartridges or you can refill and reuse them using a number of companies. Alternatively, you can send your cartridges freepost to organisations such as The Recycling Factory who will then make a donation to the charity of your choice. The easiest way to find out how is to enter a search on the internet

Invasive species

For example, Himalayan Balsam and Ragwort. Please call 0300 373 3730 if you live in the Cumberland Council area or 0300 373 3300 if you live in the Westmorland & Furness Council area for advice.