What is the WEEE directive?

WEEE stands for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It is an EU directive aimed to reduce the impact of electronic waste on the environment. At least 1 million tonnes of electronic waste from homes and businesses is discarded every year, a figure that is estimated to be growing by 4% annually.

Currently a very high proportion of this goes straight to landfill, and the new legislation means that a greater emphasis will be placed on recycling. In addition, a number of the components inside computers are hazardous and this legislation also looks to reduce the impact of these materials.

When will it come into force?

WEEE Directive legislation came in to force on 2nd January 2007.

What items will be affected?

All electrical items are affected such as: IT and telecommunication equipment (e.g. computers, photocopiers, telephones)

Consumer equipment (e.g. televisions, video recorders, hi-fi equipment)

Lighting equipment (e.g. fluorescent lamps, discharge lamps)

Medical equipment systems (e.g. radiotherapy equipment, ventilators)

Monitoring and control equipment (e.g. thermostats, control panels)

Automatic dispensers (e.g. drinks machines)

Large household appliances (e.g. fridges, washing machine)

Small household appliances (e.g. vacuum cleaners, toasters, irons)

Electrical and electronic tools (e.g. drills, sewing machines)

Toys, leisure and sports equipment (e.g. video games and consoles)

Who does it apply to?

The law applies to everyone who uses electronic equipment, whether it’s at home or at work. It also places legal requirements on manufacturers and retailers of electrical goods.

How will it affect my company or organisation?

As a business user of electrical & electronic equipment you will be legally responsible for the collection and recycling of all equipment purchased before August 2006, unless you are buying new for old on a like for like basis.

If you are replacing your equipment on a like for like basis then the manufacturers and retailers are required by the new law to take responsibility for the cost of collection and treatment of the equipment that is being replaced. Where you are responsible for the disposal of the redundant equipment, you will have to be able to provide full documentation to show that they have been disposed with in accordance with the new law.

For equipment purchased after June 2006, the law requires manufacturers to bear the main burden of legal responsibility of collection and disposing of the equipment. However, it is important to note that there is a loop hole in the law that allows manufacturers to enter an agreement with business users to share legal responsibility and costs of complying with the new legislation.