There is a range of specific and precise WEEE waste regulations that need to be followed when disposing of electrical and electronic equipment, governed by the UK Government and outlined in The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013.
In this article, we talk about all the regulations you need to follow when disregarding your WEEE waste and why it’s easier to employ a specialist like HeyClear to complete the job for you.
The Goal of WEEE waste regulations
WEEE regulations were introduced to reduce the amount of electrical waste and electronic equipment being incinerated or sent to landfills across the country. These regulations encourage the reuse and recycling of these products and their components, including but not limited to some of the following items:
- Computers
- Phones
- TVs
- Electric tools
- Household appliances
None of these items can be put in a skip or bin and require a more considered and careful approach, highlighting the importance and ease of hiring a WEEE waste specialist like HeyClear. For more information on our services or to receive a free, no-obligation quote, contact us today.
What's Covered by WEEE?
All electricals have to be recycled under the WEEE waste regulations, which includes any products with a plug, battery, or cable. Additionally, these rules apply to producers who:
- Manufacture & sell EEE under their own brand in the UK.
- Buy EEE, then rebrand & sell the products to the UK market (if the maker’s brand appears on the product, they are the producer)
- Import EEE into the UK on a commercial basis.
- Are established outside of the UK & supply EEE directly to the UK market by distance selling e.g., online, mail order, or by phone
There are different obligations for distributors and producers on how to comply with WEEE regulations, and more information on what’s covered by WEEE regulations is on the Gov.uk website.
Failure to Comply with WEEE Waste Regulations
If you fail to comply with WEEE waste regulations, you can be prosecuted and face significant fines and penalties, including being handed an unlimited fine from a magistrates’ court or a Crown Court. These regulations are enforced by The Office for Product Safety and Standards, who can be contacted if you have any questions or queries about WEEE rules and compliance.
The consequences of not complying with these regulations further emphasise the importance of disposing of these products and items responsibly and compliantly, which can be difficult if you don’t receive help and guidance from an industry expert.
The Importance of Working With A Specialist
As noted throughout this article, the importance of working with a WEEE waste specialist cannot be overstated, with significant fines and penalties obtained by those who don’t comply properly with these regulations.
It can be hard to know where to start with WEEE waste regulations, especially if you haven’t had to follow them before, whether you’re a new business or new to the UK market. However, by employing a WEEE specialist like HeyClear, you can remove the confusion and concern over this, with our team overseeing and handling the entire process to ensure you remain compliant.
At HeyClear, we have numerous years of experience handling and disposing of WEEE waste with our team committed to taking a careful and responsible approach to every job. We are capable of handling all types of jobs, big and small, meaning we will have the ideal solution for you, providing an industry-leading experience you won’t get anywhere else.
For more information on our services or to discuss your needs, contact us today or enquire online for a free, no-obligation quote.
