The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) came into force in January 2007 and aims to both reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and to encourage everyone to reuse, recycle and recover it. The WEEE Directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of businesses that manufacture, supply, use, recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment.

If you are an importer, rebrander or manufacturer of new electrical or electronic equipment then it's likely that you'll need to comply with the UK's WEEE Regulations, which in part implement the WEEE Directive. WEEE Regulations may also apply if you are a business with electrical or electronic equipment to dispose of, or if you sell electrical or electronic equipment.

What is the Impact of Electrical and Electronic Waste?

We throw away a million tonnes of household electrical and electronic waste every year in the UK. Nearly the same amount comes from sources such as offices, factories, schools and hospitals. With Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) playing a bigger role in our lives such as our kitchen appliances, mobile phones and computers which provide numerus benefits while we have them but when this equipment is has broken down or becomes of no use and thrown out it affects the environment.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK and the EU, yet recycling rates for most types of WEEE (other than large 'white goods' - like fridges and washing machines) are very low. Some WEEE contains hazardous substances and parts such as mercury in some switches, lead in solder and cadmium in batteries, these need to be handled by your local council. Please contact your local council for more details.

Disposing of Old Equipment