About WEEE

We throw away a million tonnes of household electrical and electronic waste every year in the United Kingdom. At least as much comes from non-household sources such as offices, factories, schools and hospitals.

Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) plays an ever-increasing role in our daily lives. Our kitchen appliances, mobile phones and computers offer us many benefits during their working lives but when this equipment is thrown away it affects the environment. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK and the EU. Some WEEE contains hazardous substances and parts such as mercury in some switches, lead in solder, and cadmium in batteries. Recycling rates for most types of WEEE (other than large ‘white goods’ such as fridges and washing machines) are very low. Electrical and electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK. Around 1.8 million tonnes are generated every year. 

You will need to comply with the WEEE Regulations if you:

• manufacture or import electrical or electronic equipment
• distribute electrical or electronic equipment
• generate any electrical or electronic waste
• collect electrical or electronic waste from your customers for treatment or disposal
• operate a waste treatment facility
• export electrical or electronic waste.

You may be prosecuted if you fail to comply with the regulations.