RESIDENTS from across Eden will soon be able to recycle their used and unwanted batteries using the post thanks to a new WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) recycling trial.

The postal scheme aims to encourage local residents to recycle more batteries, more often, by posting them back to recycling contractors. Batteries that can be recycled as part of the trial include AAA, AA, C and D size household batteries as well as button, mobile phone and rechargeable batteries.

The trial is now set to launch and all households taking part in the scheme will be provided with two special battery recycling envelopes in which to collect and post their batteries free of charge. Eden is the only area in England involved in the postal trials.

The special envelopes will also be available from participating post offices, schools, libraries, shops and community centres within the local area. The special envelopes will be available until March 2008 when the current trial ends.

Commenting on the new scheme, Chris Davey, manager of local authority relations, at WRAP, said: "We are delighted that Royal Mail is helping WRAP to deliver this battery recycling scheme.

"By making battery recycling simple and easy, we hope to encourage people to recycle all their used and unwanted batteries rather than throwing them away, helping to divert some of the estimated 600 million batteries that are used in the UK every year from landfill.

"It's quick and easy to add batteries to your recycling routine and every battery counts. Simply pop your old batteries into one of our special envelopes and drop it in your local post box."

For more information about the battery postal schemes and details of locations where battery recycling envelopes are available, call the WRAP helpline on 08453 313131, or go to www.recyclenow.co.uk Residents should be aware that the schemes do not accept lead-acid batteries or batteries which are too large for the envelopes provided.