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I’m on vacation but I still have guest bloggers to highlight while I recharge my rechargeable batteries. (Ha! Get it?)

Today I have a guest post from the UK, Thomas O’Rourke, sharing some information on WEEE recycling in his country.

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The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) became a UK law in January 2007. The primary purpose of this regulation is to attempt to reduce production of electrical and electronic equipment by promoting the benefits of reusing and recycling such resources. WEEE recycling not only enriches the future outlook for natural resources and the environment, but also improves the business performance and cost effectiveness of electronics manufacturing. Companies who are directly involved in the manufacture or sales of electrical equipment and electronics must comply with these regulations by registering on a producer compliance scheme and following certain criteria for selling, manufacturing and disposing of such materials and products.

To be in compliance with WEEE regulations, retailers and distributors each have responsibilities. Retailers must begin providing consumers with necessary means to return their WEEE at no cost, upon purchasing equipment or products. However, to prevent abuse of this service, patrons may only return equipment upon purchasing a newer item of the same type and function. Distributors and retailers will be monitored by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), who is responsible for enforcing WEEE legislation. While manufacturers, importers and other distributors are now required to join an approved compliance scheme, to manage regulatory compliance. These companies must also adhere to rigid standards of treating and disposing of their materials at their own cost, as well as incorporating plans and information regarding the future reuse or recycling of their products. Executives within the retail and manufacturing industry combined with law makers and government officials are working diligently to ensure that, as technology advances, the environment will sustain and flourish. Still, the responsibility is not solely incumbent upon these entities. Householders must actively participate in the process as well.

Often, householders simply discard WEEE with their general rubbish. These materials are then sent to a landfill where hazardous toxins are left untreated and could potentially find their way into the ecosystem endangering countless plants, animals and families. Treating these dangerous substances and recycling remaining materials is vital to the health and safety of so many individuals. Protecting the environment is more important than ever. Many natural resources are nearing depletion and numerous species of life have become endangered or extinct. Once these are gone, there is no way to regain them.

The environmental benefit, however, is not the only argument for recycling. Saving money is another reason to recycle electronics. Manufacturers can lower their production costs by using materials from previous equipment and devices. The savings in manufacturing can be passed on to the retailer and eventually to the consumer. Although financial gain is usually a nice motivator to some, others prefer the internal rewards of charity and community spirit. These individuals may choose to recycle in an effort to support schools and non-profit organizations. Frequently, community groups are in desperate need of refurbished computer equipment, phones, office equipment, and other electronics which are not readily in their budgets. Others may wish to donate their items at a more personal level. And in the world’s current economic climate, many low-income families can benefit greatly from these items, providing technology which they might otherwise be unable to afford. No matter how or why people choose to recycle their electronics, the core focus is to prevent WEEE from filling landfills and poisoning the environment. Still, while appropriately disposing of materials and equipment is the main objective of the WEEE recycling initiative, householders should be cautious as they are now covered by the duty of care and thereby responsible for only allowing a registered waste carrier or other approved individual to intercept their waste. These extra precautions ensure that this type of material is recycled or discarded in an appropriate manner.

In the past it was a hassle to recycle electronics and the few individuals who wanted to participate in this activity were unsure how to go about it. Householders may now more easily recycle WEEE due to the availability of multiple collection points and take-back facilities offered by retailers. Some of the most simple ways householders can become more proactive in WEEE recycling are to arrange collection with their local authority, take out-dated appliances and equipment to a local civic amenity site, inquire about product return or buy-back programs within the retail organization, and requesting retailers take away old appliances upon delivery of newer equipment. Small steps can be hugely significant in the grand scheme of things.

This piece was written by UK guest blogger Thomas O’Rourke on behalf of Sims Recycling – who provide WEEE Recycling services to businesses in the UK.

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1. 

   WEEE Recycling

   April 22, 2012 at 12:48 pm

   Recycling your unwanted electrical and electronic items is great for the planet and also helps to curb our use on resources that are running out and damaging the environment

   Reply
2. 

   Diane Clean

   July 27, 2011 at 10:40 am

   Recycling and saving energy and water is something vital nowadays.We should learn how to live closer to nature, to keep it and try to save the resources cause they are not eternal.

   Reply