Environmental Issues

Electrical and electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK, with approximately two million tonnes generated every year. The constant development and introduction of new technologies and products makes it much more appealing for businesses and consumers to upgrade their existing equipment and dispose of their old‚ out-of-date technology.

If our old E-Waste ends up in landfill in the UK, it is not just contributing to our rising CO₂ emissions; it also may be leaking harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil and groundwater. On the other hand, there have been numerous prosecutions for the illegal export of WEEE to developing countries. Where often children, in unsafe conditions, are used to treat the waste.

For a recent example of this practice, see this BBC Panorama report. This shows first-hand the results of not ensuring that your WEEE is disposed of in the UK through an ethical and environmentally-secure recycling route.

The WEEE Regulations

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations aim to prevent an increasing amount of electrical waste items ending up on landfill. The regulations place an obligation on Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Producers (manufacturers and importers) to pay for collection and recycling of WEEE and to achieve certain recycling targets. The Regulations also seek to encourage businesses, organisations and consumers to correctly dispose of their old electrical items so that they can be put to good use or recycled into new equipment from the old reusable materials.

While the current regulations do not place a target for the reuse of old appliances the forthcoming revised WEEE Regulations, due in 2014, will carry a reuse target. Our view is that reuse should be the top priority in the waste hierarchy and we seek to develop re-use by supporting training organisations, creating job placements, and promoting refurbishment and the supply of low-cost items into low income households in the UK.

ElectroCycle offers an easy collection solution to help businesses comply with the WEEE regulations and minimise their environmental impact. By disposing of your WEEE with ElectroCycle you can support your organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility and have peace of mind that your business is acting both sustainably and ethically. We will collect and recycle your electrical waste in the most transparent and efficient way possible‚ keeping you informed every step of the way with all the necessary documentation.

Click here to get a quote today.