Everything You Need To Know About WEEE Compliance

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive was first announced in the UK in 2006 and was introduced with the aim of reducing the number of reclaimable electronics ending up in landfills each year. A whopping one million tonnes of electronic equipment go into landfills annually, which often contain heavy metals which are extremely harmful to the environment. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the WEEE Compliance and how to remain compliant.

What is the WEEE Directive?

The WEEE Directive aims to reduce the environmental impact of improper disposal of electronic equipment. It does this by sending equipment to certified waste management firms, meaning at least 85% of the materials used to create electronic equipment is recycled. It’s mandatory for any UK business to comply with the WEEE Directive, no matter whether you are a manufacturer, re-brander, seller, or importer of electrical and electronic equipment.

Businesses need to reduce the amount of waste that arises from their products by encouraging the reuse of electronics. When there is waste, it needs to be treated properly and meet the targets for the recycling of waste materials. Companies also need to start designing new products which minimise their use of materials and make it easier for consumers to recycle. With the increasing reliance on online businesses selling electronics, the WEEE Directive also applies to distance sellers and e-commerce business owners.

Top Tips for Remaining WEEE Compliant

For businesses that put more than five tonnes of EEE on the market each year in the UK, they must join a WEEE compliance scheme within the first 28 days of being in business. They’ll need to complete annual or quarterly reports about the amount of EEE they place on the market and mark EEE with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol and a brand name. Manufacturers and producers are responsible for financing collection and treatment costs as well.

If your business places less than five tonnes of WEEE onto the market, you’ll still have to complete certain tasks, including registering with the Environmental Agency within your first 28 days. You’ll complete an annual report and still need to mark your products in the same way we shared above. Joining a compliance scheme means you’ll receive the support you need with this task, and you’ll have someone to work with to reduce recycling costs. This is with you really do need to know everything about WEEE compliance!!

What Products Come Under the WEEE Directive?

Any type of product that has an electric current, battery, or uses solar energy will fall under the WEEE Directive. This includes temperature exchange equipment, fridges and freezers, air conditioning, heating pumps, screens, and tablets. Lamps and large equipment will also be placed under these restrictions, as well as smaller devices and IT and telecommunications equipment.

The risks of non-compliance in the UK include fines and prosecution, which is why it’s so important to remain in compliance at all times. You should never ignore a letter stating you aren’t in compliance and will need to act immediately to rectify your situation. The WEEE Directive is a great initiative to protect the future of our planet, but as a business owner, make sure you do everything you can to follow the directive at all times in the future.

Final thoughts

Conclusion paragraph: If you’re like most companies, you have a lot of outdated technology lying around your office. You might not even realize it’s taking up space and collecting dust – but it is. And that old technology is doing more harm than good. It’s time to contact Chaps IT Recycling and let us take care of your IT recycling needs. We can help you clear out all that old tech safely and securely, so you can make room for the new and improved versions. Don’t wait – contact us today! Now hopefully you have everything you need to know about WEEE Compliance

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Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you cover ?
Do you offer your services to the general public ?

Our services are tailored for businesses and organisations, however, we realise these services may also be appealing to the general public. We have created a page advising of the process required if you wish to recycle items with us as a member of the general public. Please click here for more info.
Do you buy IT equipment?

We can offer our recycling solutions for all IT assets, 20 years old or 20 months old. If you have recently purchased IT equipment and would like to sell this we can offer a competitive market price for the asset whilst providing all relevant documentation. Any items processed will receive our secure data destruction services as standard.
Do I have to box up assets ready for collection?

No. We do all the hard work. We will arrive with the correct vehicle and tools for the collection. For larger items, 2 engineers will be dispatched (plotters data cabinets etc ). We can also collect palatalised IT equipment if required. All collected items can be logged on-site also if preferred.
How much does it cost?

93% of our collections have been carried out completely free of charge.

When you recycle IT assets with us, we strive to resell or recycle anything possible, using those proceeds to offset the disposal costs of other IT assets you recycle. Once we assess your assets, we will inform you whether a rebate, cash, or other financial arrangements are available.

More information on chargeable items can be found on our Items we recycle Page

Our IT recycling services are free of charge to all businesses & organisations Why choose us ?

Secure Fast Collection

The collection is usually within 24-72 hours and can be scheduled in or outside of normal office hours. (Contactless collection available if required)

Items We Recycle

Secure Data Destruction

All collected items will be inspected and the appropriate action will be carried out to ensure all sensitive and private data is removed. If the item cannot be securely wiped it will be physically destroyed

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Asset Report & Certificate

Once your items have been processed a report will be forwarded, detailing all aspects of the collected assets and the method of data destruction carried out on each asset

Example Report

Fully Insured & Compliant

We have been inspected by the environmental agency who have confirmed we are following the strict practices they enforce for all WEEE recycling companies. Ensuring waste is collected and treated in the correct way.

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