WEEE…What’s it all about?
25 July 2007
No it’s not a typo in the title! It refers to the directive that came into force on 1st July 2007 for the disposal and recycling of electrical goods. Everyone is encouraged to recycle and now eletrical goods are to be regularly recycled.
What does WEEE stand for? It’s the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
Who do the WEEE regulations affect?This is mainly businesses in the first instance who supply, manufacture, import, store, treat or dismantle electrical items.
How does this affect householders? The aim is to reduce the amount of electrical goods we throw out with our general waste. By separating our WEEE it can be recycled rather than being sent to landfill. We are not banned from disposing of our WEEE with our general waste, but from 1st July retailers will have to provide take back facilities . This means that they are obliged to dispose of your old electrical appliance when you purchase a like for like replacement. For example they will take back your old kettle when you purchase a new one. It doesn’t matter where the original was bought. The retailer will provide this service free of charge. The only charge that may be incurred is if the item is collected. The retailer may charge for collection of an item, but not for its disposal.
Householders may still take their WEEE to their local household waste recycling centre or civic amenity. You can also ask your local council to collect your item. Again they must collect it, but may charge for its collection.
You can tell which items are covered by these regulations as from 1st April all new items will have this symbol ; the crossed out wheeled bin symbol. Meanwhile we are being encouraged to think before replacing electrical equipment. Does it really need replacing? Can it be passed on to someone else?
For more information you can contact your local council, retailers of electrical goods or look at the DTI or Environment Agency websites. Alternatively the Environment Agency helpline is 08708 506 506.
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