Everything you need to know about the WEEE Directive

In this article

• What is the WEEE Directive?
• Why was the WEEE Directive introduced?
• Who does the WEEE Directive apply to?
• What types of electronics fall under the WEEE regulations?
• What are the WEEE regulations?
• My business is a tech user rather than producer, what does that mean in terms of the WEEE regulations?
• What are the consequences if my business doesn’t follow the WEEE Directive?

What is the WEEE Directive?

Essentially the WEEE directive is designed to manage how e-waste is handled. The goal is to prevent old electronics from piling up in landfills and, instead, to encourage the recycling and reuse of valuable materials found in these devices to support a circular economy.

Why was the WEEE Directive introduced?

With technology advancing rapidly, more and more electronics were being sent to landfill. Electronics contain precious metals like gold, platinum, and palladium—materials that are non-renewable and essential for making new tech. The directive aims to reduce the amount of e-waste going to landfills and make sure valuable materials are recycled and reused.

By 2007, it was clear that we couldn’t keep throwing away redundant electronics without consequences, so the WEEE Directive was created to handle this growing issue.

Who does the WEEE Directive apply to?

The WEEE Directive is aimed at both manufacturers and businesses. If you use, make, sell, or import electrical and electronic equipment, you need to follow the WEEE regulations. 

• Producers: This includes manufacturers, importers, and those that rebrand EEE. 
• Distributors and sellers: Businesses that sell EEE, regardless of the method (in-store, online, etc.).
• Businesses dealing with WEEE: This includes those involved in the collection, treatment, recycling, and recovery of WEEE. 
• Businesses that generate WEEE: Any business that generates waste electrical and electronic equipment. 

All the above groups are responsible for ensuring products are disposed of properly and as much recycled as possible once they reach the end of their life.

What types of electronics fall under the WEEE regulations?

The WEEE regulations cover a wide variety of electronic products, including:

• Small household appliances: things like toasters, kettles, and microwaves.
• Large household appliances: items like fridges, dishwashers, and washing machines.
• Consumer electronics: TVs, DVD players, phones
• Electrical tools: drills, glue guns, and other power tools.
• Monitoring & control devices like thermostats, smoke detectors, etc.
• Lighting equipment: light fixtures, bulbs, and wiring.
• IT & telecoms equipment: computers, office phones, PC parts, etc.
• Medical devices: X-ray machines, defibrillators, thermometers, etc.
• Leisure & sports electronics: fitness trackers, remote control toys, etc.
• Automatic dispensers: soap dispensers, sanitizer dispensers, etc.

What are the WEEE regulations?

The WEEE regulations set recycling targets for UK businesses that deal with electrical appliances. The government monitors these targets to make sure electronic waste is being recycled. If businesses don’t meet these targets, they must pay a compliance fee, which goes into the WEEE Fund.

The WEEE Fund is currently funded by the following types of organisations:

• Manufacturers: Companies making and selling electronics under their own brand in the UK.
• Resellers: Businesses selling electronics made by someone else under their own brand.
• Importers: Companies importing electronics into the UK.
• Distance sellers: Businesses selling electronics online, by mail, or over the phone.

In 2017-2018, the WEEE Fund raised £10.6 million. This money is used to fund activities that improve the recycling and disposal of electronic waste, like research, education, and adding more recycling points across the UK. The aim is to make it easier to recycle old electronics and encourage more people to do so.

My business is a tech user rather than producer, what does that mean in terms of the WEEE regulations?

To dispose of corporate tech-waste here’s what you should do to be compliant:

• Avoid landfill, never dispose of electronics in general waste bins or landfill sites.
• Consider take-back schemes but be aware sometimes there is a charge for this service, check with individual suppliers.
• Make arrangements for your company’s e-waste to be collected by an authorised treatment facility.
• Keep adequate records of the WEEE recycled.
• Ensure that WEEE is treated in an environmentally friendly way.

What are the consequences if my business doesn’t follow the WEEE Directive?

Not following the WEEE Directive can lead to consequences. If your business is found to be non-compliant, you’ll likely first receive warning letters and formal cautions. However, penalties will apply if you don’t correct the issue. 

• A fine of up to £5,000 if the case goes to a magistrates’ court.
• An unlimited fine if it goes to crown court.

Clearly, it’s important to ensure your business is handling electronic waste in line with the WEEE regulation to avoid consequences. It’s not simply a question of the financial implications but also current reputational risk – and risk to future business relationships. More and more organisations want to work increasingly with those businesses who put sustainable practices at the top of their agenda.

It’s worth noting that DEFRA are continually looking at producer responsibility and compliance fees in supporting a more circular economy as well as national targets for WEEE recycling. Stay up to date by following Zero Tech Waste on LinkedIn. 

If you are looking for a sustainable and ethical IT Recycling service, contact Zero Tech Waste to discuss your needs.