WEEE Compliance and Regulations
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations came into force in the UK on the 2nd January 2007. Brand owners, importers and distributors of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) are affected, attracting an obligation under the UK WEEE Regulations. The regulations also have important implications for Local Authorities (LAs), treatment facilities and re-processors of WEEE.
Producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) are required to finance the collection, treatment, recovery and environmentally sound disposal of WEEE at its end of life.
All producers of EEE, regardless of size, were required to register with a WEEE compliance scheme by the 15th March 2007. Producers are required to supply WEEE compliance schemes with information regarding the amount of EEE, by category, they have put onto the UK market.
Full producer responsibility for WEEE started on 1st July 2007, with the exception of hazardous WEEE, which includes computer screens, television sets, refrigerators, freezers and gas discharge lamps.
All successfully approved WEEE producer compliance schemes, such as that run by N2S, sought approval from the Environment Agency. Approval was conditional based on the submission of adequate operational plans and meeting all the criteria the Environment Agency have laid down as a requirement to run a registered WEEE producer compliance scheme.
Distributors supplying new EEE have to ensure that WEEE from private households can be returned, FREE OF CHARGE, on a one-for-one basis, providing that any such WEEE is of the same nature as the EEE being supplied.
If you would like to learn more about WEEE visit our what is WEEE page or contact us if you should have questions regarding your business and WEEE compliance.
