WEEE Policy

WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK. Each UK individual is estaimted to throw away 3.3 tonnes worth of WEEE in a lifetime. To save this waste being ploughed into landfill, the buyer, and the seller have a degree of responsibility. Figures show atleast a 5% rise in WEEE products each year. Under new regulaltions, online and high street retailers must allow for the return of their waste electrical equipment for free.

 

Electrical and Electronic Equipment(EEE) waste is increasing three times faster than average municipal waste and the EU estimates that WEEE currently accounts for 4% of total waste. A vast proportion of electronic waste int he UK ends up in landfill, which can put the environment and communities at risk. It has been estiamted that landfill sites will be full within the next 10 years. When WEEE is not disposed of correctly, it can lead to the leaching or harmful chemicals and metals into the surrounding environment. This can have massive implications on the environment, including water (rivers, streams), the soil, air quality, as well as the environment. The implications inevitably can therefore threaten both humans and animals welfare. Legislation introduced on the 1st July 2007 was bought in to ensure the correct and safe disposable by the manafacturers - a large amount of responsibility ultimately lies with the consumer and retailer to ensure this.

Protect the Planet will therefore accept old WEEE equipment back free of charge, on a like for like basis. For example we will except, and safely dispose of an old kettle when you purchase a new eco kettle from our store. The goods must be returned to us within 30 days of your purchase, and the buyer must pay all return transport costs.

All new EEE items should be marked with the crossed out wheelie bin symbol - its symbolises that recycling facilities are now available for these items, not that is cannot be thrown away. It aims to enqourage the separation from general household waste, and to use the recycling facilities available.

 

Products covered by WEEE fall into the following ten catergories; Large household appliances, small household appliances, IT and telecommunications equipment, Consumer equipment, Lighting equipment, Electric tools, Toys sport & Lesuire equipment, Medical devices, Monitoring & control devices and automated devices.

 

For more information on how the WEEE Policy may effect you as a Business, Retailer or Consumer, please visiti; http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk

 

Environmental policies are there for a reason.