Guinness World Records recognises Currys PC World for e-waste initiative

UK retailer Currys PC World has become a Guinness World Records holder for the largest pyramid of washing machines ever recorded.

The build has been made by the retailer to demonstrate its commitment to ‘New Life Not Landfill’ by giving old machines a fresh purpose through either recycling, repairing or rehoming, in light of the UK’s growing e-waste problem.

Taking place during National Recycling Week, the world record attempt is the brainchild of Bolton store manager, Darren Kenworthy.

He solely pushed for the record and convinced his employers to take part in a scheme to intercept and stack 1,490 used washing machines that on their way to be recycled.

The pyramid is estimated to be the equivalent of 104.3 tonnes of WEEE recycling, which would normally take the retailer just over half a day to collect. In 2020, 43% of all e- waste collected by UK retailers was collected by Currys PC World, which has recycled over 750,000 tonnes of tech since 2007.

WE’RE RECORD HOLDERS 🎉

In partnership with @Ainscough_Train, we just set a @GWR record for the largest pyramid of washing machines EVER!

Check out the video to see it all come together 👇 pic.twitter.com/07UkjGC75u
— Currys PC World (@curryspcworld) September 24, 2021

Chris Brown, Senior Sustainability Manager at Currys PC World, comments: “Given e-waste in the UK is a growing problem, as the UK’s largest electrical retailer.”

”it’s imperative that we support our customers to ensure they are disposing of household appliances and tech in a safe and responsible way. We also want to make the most of goods that could be repaired and even re-homed, rather than just throwing them in household bins by default.”

“We hope that this new life not landfill world record installation strikes a nerve with Brits and help them to realise that recycling their technology is easy and also affordable.”

“Using recycle points, e-waste collection, used exchange platforms and drop off points in our stores will give your old items a new life rather than them ending in landfill.”

He adds that currently, 97% of everything recycled with Currys PC World sits within the white goods category.

However, there is still a long way to go as thousands of appliances continue to end up in landfill despite collection services from both the retailer and other local council services.

“Our tech tower of washing machines hopes to drive awareness of the growing e-waste problem in the UK, highlighting how easy it is for customers to recycle, repair and re-home their tech with our nationwide recycling services.”

Pravin Patel, Adjudicator at Guinness World Record, says: “I verify unique Guinness World Record attempts all the time, and this one is certainly very unusual.”

“I didn’t realise quite how much of an impact e-waste has on our planet and how easy it is to recycle tech, big or small. I for one will certainly now be taking my old tech to Currys rather than queuing at the tip.”

Featured