Absolute Health and Safety Solutions Ltd - The New WEEE Regulations

The new Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations came into force on 1 July, putting additional responsibilities on producers and distributors of electrical equipment. The regulations mean both groups now have a responsibility to take back electrical equipment at the end of its useful life. How does this affect consumers, producers, and suppliers?

The aim of the regulations is to minimise the amount of WEEE that was previously being thrown out along with general rubbish. In keeping with today’s environmentally aware world, it is hoped that the public and businesses alike will now dispose of their electronic and electrical waste in a more environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient way. And from 1st July, producers of electronic and electrical equipment have had to take on the cost of collecting, treating and recycling WEEE.

‘Producers’ are defined as any business that places electronic / electrical products onto the UK market. This could include manufacturers who directly import or sell electrical or electronic products under their own brand - regardless of whether they are sold for business or consumer use. The producer should also ensure the products are labeled to indicate non-disposal with household waste (the wheelie bin symbol with a cross through it). From March 2007, producers have been required to register with a Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS).

‘Distributors’ are defined as any firm that sells electronic / electrical goods to the end user – whether they be for business or personal use. In some cases, distributors will also be classified as producers – for example if they sell their own branded products or products imported for general resale. In these cases, the distributor also needs to comply with the PCS requirements.

A national network of WEEE disposal facilities is planned; distributors of household EEE have the responsibility of contributing towards this network. They also need to display information relating to the environmental issues inherent in the disposal of electrical goods.

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