Environmental Guidance - WEEE Regulations
Electrical and electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK. Around 1.8 million tonnes are generated every year.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations aim to reduce the amount of this waste going to landfill and improve recovery and recycling rates. The Regulations implement the producer responsibility principle with respect to electrical waste and should ensure that the producers of electrical equipment are held responsible for it when it reaches the end of its useful life.
The WEEE Regulations impact on a wide range of businesses in the UK including those who:
o Manufacture, import or rebrand electrical or electronic equipment
o distribute electrical or electronic equipment
o generate any electrical or electronic waste
o collect electrical or electronic waste from your customers for treatment or disposal
o operate a waste treatment facility
o export electrical or electronic waste.
All manufacturers, importers or rebranders must meet their obligation to recycle waste equipment through registering with the Environment Agency and joining a compliance scheme. Businesses disposing of electrical equipment should now be able to have the equipment recycled for free by the original producer of the equipment or the producer of any new equipment they purchase.
The scope of the WEEE Regulations is very broad and it is advisable that businesses on whom the regulations have an impact should seek further advice and support. The following links may be of some help:
WEEE Training
Download BERR WEEE Guidance: