Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation 2006
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation 2006: Recycling Electrical and Electronic Equipment : Important Customer Information
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is now UK law. The legislation aims to make producers pay for the collection, treatment and recovery of waste electrical equipment. The regulations also mean that internet retailers must allow customers to return their old electrical and electronic equipment on a ‘like-for-like’ basis when purchasing new equipment.
Q1: Why should I recycle my old electrical and electronic equipment?
A: This category of waste is increasing by around 5% a year, so making it one of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK. Much of it ends up in landfill, where the lead and other toxins can cause soil and water contamination and have harmful effects on natural habitat, wildlife and human health. In addition many of the items can be recycled, thereby helping to save our natural finite resources and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.
Q2: How do I know whether my equipment can be recycled?
A: Relevant products carry a crossed-out ‘wheelie bin’ symbol. Goods marked with this symbol means that they were produced after 13th August 2005 and should be disposed of separately from normal household waste in order that they may be recycled.
Q3: How can I recycle my old electrical and electronic equipment?
A: When purchasing electrical or electronic equipment from our website you can return the old item you’re replacing (see Q2 above) and we will dispose of it on your behalf. Please note, this is on a ‘like-for-like’ basis and so the item for disposal must be similar in nature to the new product purchased. This disposal service is provided free of charge however you must pay for the costs incurred in returning your old item to us.
We will accept your old item for disposal for a period of 28 days from when you purchased the replacement on-line.
Please phone Customer Services on 01603 697 150 prior to sending your WEEE and obtain an authorisation number. Please write this authorisation number on a slip of paper and include it in the returned package. Alternatively you may take relevant equipment to a recycling site equipped to receive waste electrical and electronic product – details are available on request from your local council.
Please contact Customer Services on 01603 697 150 if you have any questions