What is WEEE?

The WEEE Directive

WEEE includes virtually any household or non-household equipment that uses a battery or plug. It relates to when that equipment is end of life.

In the modern world, our devices and appliances quickly become outdated as a new, improved version becomes available. Too often, the old devices are carelessly thrown out and end up in landfill.

This unnecessary waste takes up a lot of space in landfill sites, but there is a more dangerous side effect. Many electrical and electronic items release harmful toxins into the air and water, which can be extremely damaging to the environment and human beings.

In 2002, the WEEE Directive was introduced in an attempt to address these environmental concerns.

 

Complying with WEEE Regulations

Virtually every business is affected by WEEE Regulations. It is essential that you understand and carry out your responsibilities.

WEEE Regulations compliance is essential if your business:

• Distributes, sells, imports or manufactures any electrical or electronic equipment (EEE)
• Repairs or refurbishes WEEE
• Treats, reprocesses, recovers or recycles WEEE
• Produces any WEEE

The WEEE Directive also applies to all producers and distributiors, big or small. A producer is defined as one of three things; a business that manufactures and sells WEEE under its own brand, a business that resells rebranded WEEE products, any business importing or exporting WEEE into the UK or an EU member state professionally. A distributor refers to companies that sell WEEE for household use through; physical retail/wholesale outlets, the internet, TV shopping channels or other distance-selling systems.

How can my business comply with WEEE Recycling responsibilities?

There are many, many types of WEEE items. Virtually all household appliances are included, as well as items like monitoring equipment, medical devices and certain toys.

Most businesses have certain electrical items that are regularly replaced. These include:

• Desktop computers and monitors
• Laptops
• Computer keyboards and mice
• Telephones (landline phones and video conferencing equipment)
• Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.)
• Printers, scanners and photocopiers
• WiFi routers

The WEEE Directive means that the business types listed in the previous section must provide their customers with a facility to recycle their WEEE once they have purchased new equipment. This is done either through a collection service or a convenient drop-off point.

If you need to dispose of several electrical/electronic items at the same time, it is best to go with a reputable waste disposal company. Stone offers a collection service free of charge*, putting your security and environmental protection at the forefront of the entire process.

Book a collection and leave it with us - there will be complete traceability for the entire process.

*Free collection subject to minimum requirements.