Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the European Union and in the UK an estimated 1.2 million tonnes of e-waste is produced every year.
In 2007, The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) was introduced in the UK. The aim of this law is to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced, and to encourage consumers and businesses to reuse and recycle.
While the WEEE Directive requires around 20% of the nation’s electronic waste to be diverted away from landfill, it is hoped the new law will result in much more WEEE being recycled.
Environment Agency figures show that in 2009, the UK recycled 1.1m tonnes of WEEE in the two and a half years since the introduction. This is a drop in the ocean compared to the amount of e-waste produced yearly.
However, the agency is beginning to make examples of businesses that don’t take responsibility for their impact on the environment and in September the first business was prosecuted under the new laws. A supplier to hairdressing salons which imported a range of electrical items into the UK was fined £20,150 for failing to meet its obligations under the regulations.
Businesses must recycle all old electrical, making sure they use a reputable firm that recycles in line with the Directive
The WEEE Directive is about to be amended with proposals to increase collection targets and a change in scope. The revised law is set to reach the EU Parliament in 2011.
With recent reports showing the amount of e-waste produced could rise by as much as 500% over the next decade, we need to act now. Businesses must recycle all old electrical equipment, making sure they use a reputable firm that recycles in line with the Directive.
The Environment Agency is taking the directive seriously and businesses of all sizes must do the same.
Simon Walsh, who wrote this article is co-founder of ShP Limited which works with businesses across the UK, recycling electrical and electronic equipment.
