What is WEEE?
Since 2007 the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive has been part of UK Law. Its aims are to encourage the reuse and recovery of old equipment where possible and to recycle old electronics where not.
Why does WEEE exist?
Much damage can be caused to the environment if correct recycling procedures are not utilised. Many pieces of equipment contain hazardous chemicals and toxins which are potentially devastating to wildlife and nature. Old equipment can cause contamination to to water and soil when they could be redeployed elsewhere.
Who is the Directive for?
The WEEE regulations are legal obligations which affect a number of different businesses and service providers. Producers of household and non-household equipment, retailers, business end-users and more are required to follow the rules of the directive
WEEE Collection Rate (kg per capita)
What can I recycle?
Batteries
Used batteries host hazardous chemicals and thus it is important to ensure they are disposed of separately from non-WEEE waste materials. Many retail alerts and service providers offer a pick-up service to ensure correct disposal of batteries and similar used electronic products including mobile phones.
Computer Monitors
Computer monitors contain large amounts of hazardous chemicals including lead. WEEE recycling ensures that the CRT's are sent to a smelter and that glass, lead and other harmful toxins are safely recovered. Old circuit boards and chips can be reused and redeployed and thus it is possible to cut down on the carbon footprint necessitated in creating new parts.
IT Hardware
Outside of environmental concerns, WEEE recycling also ensures security of personal data. Old hardware is often full of confidential information and because of this, it is crucial to ensure that all equipment undergoes thorough data destruction before disposal. Once this is done, it is possible to redeploy unwanted technology elsewhere.
What is WEEE?
For offices with a large turnover of IT equipment looking to replace their out-dated technology, the best possible solution is to find a green, eco-friendly way of doing this.
WEEE recycling represents a practical and ethical way of disposing of old computers, monitors and electrical goods which could otherwise harm the earth.
