Waste Management

The problem with WEEE Disposal

A common problem in Waste Management is Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). It’s common knowledge that you’re simply not supposed to put your WEEE in the general waste bin, but many don’t know what their options are for disposing of WEEE.

Why is proper WEEE disposal important? This question gains significance when considering the environmental problems associated with improperly discarded electronics. As a nation, the UK hasn’t fully met its WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) targets., with Defra even lowering the anticipated goal for it in March 2018.

However, addressing this environmental issue presents a unique opportunity: recycling valuable materials found in electronic waste.

WEEE Recycling: An Environmental Boon

Electronic products, regardless of their working condition, are treasure troves of recyclable materials. Your office’s outmoded kettle or dated work fridge might look obsolete, but they house valuable resources. The heavy metals and plastics in these electronics can be repurposed to manufacture new products.

The production of electronics-related metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and beryllium demands substantial energy. As our reliance on electronic devices grows, recycling your waste from electrical and electronic equipment becomes a crucial aspect of environmental stewardship.

Three Key Reasons to Recycle WEEE

Wondering where you can contribute your commercial kitchen’s redundant six microwaves for WEEE recycling? Several options exist for efficient electronic waste management; it’s a matter of knowing where to look.

  1. Replaced Your Electronics Recently?

If you’ve swapped old microwaves for new ones, the supplying shop could be your WEEE recycling solution. Every company that sells electrical goods must provide customers with a way to recycle their electronics. This easy exchange is a convenient method to recycle your electronics.

  1. Regular producer of WEEE?

Your Local Authority can be a valuable ally if you frequently generate electronic waste. According to GOV.UK waste sites and waste transfer stations accept business electrical waste. While there may be a fee depending on your Local Authority’s policy, this is a reliable solution for your WEEE disposal needs. Find your WEEE local authority-designated collection facility.  

  1. Relocating?

If you’re managing electronic waste from a one-off move, our partner company CollectEco can assist. CollectEco takes a unique approach to waste collection, working with businesses to donate reusable furniture, equipment, and materials to deserving causes such as charities and schools.

As we strive to meet our WEEE targets, adopting mindful electronic waste management strategies is essential. Whether it’s ensuring responsible business electrical waste disposal or choosing to recycle commercial kitchen appliances, every step towards proper waste electronics disposal makes a difference.

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