When considering recycling people automatically think of paper, cardboard, glass and plastic. We rarely give a second thought to what will be happening to our white goods and general electrical appliances once weve decided they need to go down the tip.
The fact is Electrical equipment is the fastest growing category of rubbish across the European Union. This seems to make sense when you consider how much we rely on electronic and electrical goods to enjoy life and to function in our workplace in modern society. But it's perhaps a little frightening, that according to statistics around 20kg per person of electrical waste is created every year. Annually, the UK now produces around 1 million tonnes of waste electrical equipment
What many people do not realise is that as well as other laws such as packaging regulations, in 2004 the EC passed a directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. In the UK this is known as WEEE, WEEE compliance or WEEE regulations. Now this is in place businesses need to be aware of what it entails to remain legal.
The WEEE Recycling Directive
The WEEE recycling directive covers three main areas:
Manufacturing: under WEEE compliance, manufacturers and producers of electrical equipment will be expected to take into consideration eco-friendly requirements at design stage. At the fundamental stage of production both manufacturers and importers will be responsible for ensuring they plan for their products to be recycled rather than dumped. Where possible this will also include further production of existing products.
WEEE recycling regulations will require electrical equipment producers to finance treatment and recycling/recovery of separately collected WEEE in the UK, to specified treatment standards and recycling/recovery targets.
The new directive will mean that all shops and retailers will be required by law to offer take-back services to householders. Gone are the days when you had to ask your self yes, but will they take my old cooker away?
What products are covered in the WEEE compliance regulations?
Products and commodities covered in the regulations are:
audiovisual and lighting equipment;
IT and telecommunications equipment;
medical devices;
electrical and electronic tools;
toys, leisure and sports equipment.
automatic dispensers;
household appliances
The governments' goal has been to create a national distributor Take-back Scheme which will establish a network of Designated Collection Facilities; and an obligatory registration for producers through approved compliance schemes.
For further information about WEEE or joining complydirect compliance scheme visit: http://www.complydirect.co.uk
