WEEE (Waste Electrical
& Electronic Equipment)
What is the WEEE Directive?
The WEEE Directive aims to minimise the impact of electrical and electronic equipment on the environment during the products’ life span and, afterwards when it becomes waste. It applies to a huge spectrum of products. It encourages and sets criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Who can help us as a business?
It is important to note that any equipment on your premises manufactured before 12th August 2005 is YOUR RESPONSBILITY to dispose of, and any costs must be met by your business. It is your responsibility to appoint a WEEE disposal agent such as EOL to ensure you comply with all WEEE regulations and that you are provided with the relevant reports, i.e. Weight Data, Lifecycle Management, Disposal processes etc.
Any relevant products manufactured after 12th August 2005 will be accompanied by documentation from the Producer advising you who to contact when the product reaches the end of its life. Effectively, the Producer must demonstrate a process for WEEE disposal. However, each business user will be free to appoint whoever offers them the best environmental, most secure and most cost effective solution.
EOL can provide all information and services required by the implementation of the WEEE Directive, so can ensure WEEE compliance at each stage of the legislation.Refurbishment Exemption
The WEEE Directive encourages businesses to do everything they can to reuse equipment. EOL operates a maximum refurbishment policy with typical recycling rates in excess of 90% of collected equipment. This means that our clients can reduce their disposal assets and any possible charges they might incur to fulfil their obligations.
Where do I go as a home user?
As a Home user, you will not have to meet the costs of WEEE disposal. The retail industry has agreed financial provision through market share to fund disposal costs, to encourage Home users to dispose of WEEE responsibly.
Waste can be taken to:
- your local municipal collection facility,
- to leading electrical retailers under the 'Retailer Take-Back Scheme', or
- one of the new DCF (Designated Collection Facilities) sites, which are currently being set-up under final drafts of the legislation (many of these will be the old civic amenity sites currently used by home users to dispose of large waste).
The idea behind each of these schemes is that it provides near-by, convenient, free of charge collection sites for the Public.
For more information on the WEEE Directive and other relevant legislation see our legislation overview.