The WEEE Directive
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
What is it?
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) came into force in January 2007.
The WEE Directive aims to both reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and to encourage everyone to reuse, recycle and recover it.
The WEEE Directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of businesses that manufacture, supply, use, recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment.
If you are an importer, rebrander or manufacturer of new electrical or electronic equipment then it's likely that you'll need to comply with the UK's WEEE Regulations, which in part implement the WEEE Directive. If you do need to comply, then you must register on a producer compliance scheme.
You may also have obligations under the WEEE Regulations if you are a business with electrical or electronic equipment to dispose of, or if you sell electrical or electronic equipment.
Why is it important to recycle computer equipment?
Discarded computer equipment comprises monitors, printers, hard drives and circuit boards. Such items should on no account be thrown out with your household rubbish because they contain toxic substances, and are effectively hazardous waste. WEEE often ends up in the developing world, and the UN's Environment Programme is alarmed by the amount of electronic goods which are improperly disposed of overseas. There is increasing concern about the pollution caused by hazardous chemicals and heavy metals in Africa, Asia and South America.
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What's in my PC? |
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Material |
Proportion |
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Plastic |
23% |
A single computer can contain up to 2kg of lead, and a complex mixture of materials which can make PCs very difficult to recycle.
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