The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013 (as amended) were introduced to reduce the amount of wasted electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) incinerated or sent to landfill sites. Reduction is achieved through various measures which encourage the recovery, reuse and recycling of products and components.
Producers of EEE are required to register as a producer annually, They are also required to place appropriate symbols on their products and within a year of placing new EEE on the UK market, ensure information is made available on the reprocessing of EEE components and materials.
Distributors must offer free takeback on WEEE, accept WEEE for free from customers supplied with like-for-like products, regardless of whether this is done in store, online or by mail order. They must also provide customers access to written information on the service provided and what they should do with their WEEE
Retailers with a sales area of EEE greater than 400 square metres must accept small WEEE (less than 25 cm on its longest side) for free from private household customers at their retail site or close to it without the requirement to purchase new EEE.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards have released a video today setting how single use vape retailers (instore and online) should comply with their distributor obligations in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations.
All retailers and distributors must provide a process to take back waste single use vapes. They must not be put in general waste bins as they can pose both fire and environmental hazards. Anyone selling them must have a single use vape bin that can be used for recycling them safely at the location where they are being sold. The video provides information on how to obtain these bins for retailers selling the vapes instore. As with previous EEE requirements they will need to keep records about recycling these items for four years. Information is also included for those selling the vapes online and for smaller retailers who might qualify for the Distributor Takeback Scheme.
Retailers and Distributors must comply with the regulations to reduce landfill and protect the environment. If they don’t they may be prosecuted and receive an unlimited fine.
A copy of the guidance video and more information about the WEEE Regulations can be found at: Regulations: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
