WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, which includes items such as computers, radios, stereos, televisions and video recorders.
WEEE is divided into five main categories; large electrical appliances, small electrical appliances, fridges & freezers, fluorescent tubes, and televisions & monitors. The WEEE Directive is now in force, which means that there are many more facilities to allow you to recycle these items.
What can I do with my old electrical items?
Some charity shops will accept small electrical items that can be reused by others, eg radios, but it is advisable to check with your local charity shop before donating these items.Some shops are unable to accept electrical appliances, particularly large items, as they require to be tested for safety. Similarly, you can check with local furniture reuse schemes whether they accept electrical items, and there are groups that specialise in reuse and recycling of electrical goods such as computers.Details of these outlets can be found on the Sort-It website. You can also take WEEE items to some recycling centres or have them uplifted by your local authority. Details of these facilities and services can again be found on the Sort-It website.
What can I do with my old computer(s) / computer parts?
A number of community groups and private companies collect home and office computer equipment for recycling. Most organisations request that computers are five years old or less, so it is best to check if your PC is acceptable before donating it. Some computers can be stripped down and reused, some will have useful parts salvaged from them and others can be fully recycled, which also depends on the organisation you are using. If your computer or some of its parts cannot be recycled, they can be disposed of using methods that limit their harmful effects on the environment. Please visit the Reuse section of Sort It for details of relevant organisations in your area.
If you have a large number of redundant PCs, you can donate them to Oxfam to be refurbished and reused by others. For more information please call 0845 3000 311. You can also contact the following organisations and your old computers will be donated to charities, community groups and voluntary organisations:
- Computer Aid - Tel: 0207 281 0091
- Computers for African Schools - Tel: 0117 924 8549
- Computers for Charity - Tel: 01288 361 177 - www.computersforcharity.org.uk
If your business has computer equipment that you would like to reuse or recycle, visit the Business & Industry section of this website.
What happens to WEEE items when they are collected for recycling?
Electrical items that are in good condition are passed on to charities to be reused by others. Some items are also repaired before they are reused, and items in poor condition are stripped for valuable parts that can be reused.
WEEE Facts
- The Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations came into force in 2007.
- The WEEE regulations require all producers, retailers and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment to comply with certain obligations. These include providing information for consumers about the environmental impact of WEEE, and how consumers can safely dispose of WEEE for proper treatment and recycling.
There are five categories of WEEE:
- Large electrical appliances (e.g. washing machines, cookers)
- Small electrical appliances (e.g. irons, tools, computers)
- Fridges and freezers
- Fluorescent tubes (including energy saving light bulbs)
- Televisions and monitors
Why are the WEEE Regulations necessary?
WEEE is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK. The aim of the regulations is to address the environmental impacts of electrical and electronic equipment when it reaches the end of its life, and to encourage the proper treatment and recycling of WEEE.
Who do the WEEE Regulations affect?
WEEE regulations affect all businesses that manufacture, sell and use electrical and electronic equipment. Consumers do not have to comply with any obligations under this legislation. However, the good news is that this legislation has led to many more recycling facilities accept these items, making it easier for you to recycle your WEEE items.
