WEEE Directive Explained?

Householders and businesses in the UK throw away in excess of one million tonnes of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) each year. This figure is estimated to grow by up to 80,000 tonnes annually.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) came into force in January 2007.

What is the WEEE Directive?

The WEEE Directive aims to both reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and to encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle.

The Directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of businesses that manufacture, supply, use, recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment.
There is also an obligations under the WEEE Regulations for any business which disposes of, or sells electrical or electronic equipment.

Please click on the following link for comprehensive information and latest news regarding the WEEE directive. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/weee

WEEE Directive - Layman's terms

The WEEE directive is complicated and often raises more questions than answers. Whilst comprehensive and up to date information can be found on the Environment Agency's website we have provided a summary which we hope will provide a straight forward explanation.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us on 0141 567 7507 and we will be happy to assist you.

How does it affect my business?

Within the WEEE Directive is the Hazardous Waste Act 2005. Under this legislation any company that disposes of more than 500kg of hazardous electronic equipment per annum has to register with the Environment Agency as a producer of hazardous waste.

General IT related equipment that falls under this category are CRT monitors, fluorescent tubes and lead acid batteries, thus if you are not disposing of CRT monitors, batteries or fluorescent tubes you do not need to register. As a guide if you dispose of 40 or more 17" CRT monitors per annum then you will have to register.

What if my business has multiple sites?

If you have multiple sites then each site that exceeds the 500kg limit will need to register. The Environment Agency does not currently offer site licenses.

What about other electronic equipment?

Under the WEEE Directive you still cannot dump redundant electronic equipment, thus you will have to engage the services of a reputable IT disposal company. In addition to your recycling responsibilities you must adhere to the Data Protection Act and ensure that all data is wiped and certified.

There are many reputable companies now operating who will provide a bonafide service, however there are also many less scrupulous companies operating who do not.
For an unbiased warts and all appraisal of the IT disposal industry please refer to our section 'IT Disposal Companies - What you NEED to know'. This will hopefully highlight some pertanant points you should be looking out for.