Defra’s recent release on the UK’s waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collections for the initial three quarters of 2023 has yet again demonstrated that the year’s collection objectives are likely to be hit. If collection rates remain high in Q4, this will be the first time the UK has hit WEEE targets since 2016.
120,999 tonnes were collected in Q3 of 2023 – a steady increase compared to the 119,000 and 118,000 collected in the first two quarters of the year. The overall target for the UK is 472,070 tonnes of WEEE over the year – 76% of which has now been met. This is an extremely promising percentage, especially considering that in the same period of 2022, the UK was only 69% toward its target. Read Let’s Recycle’s story here on why they believe 2022’s collection rates fell below expectations.
However, as always, we must look into the breakdown of WEEE categories to identify those lagging behind their targets. Currently, large household appliances, automatic dispenses, LED light sources and gas discharge lamps are off track.
Our Head of Compliance Clement Gaubert comments on the high rates of Category 11 collections, emphasising a need to be cautious:
“The Q3 WEEE data confirms the positive trend seen in previous quarters. Although we need to remain cautious, with only one quarter left WEEE collection targets might be met for the first time in seven years.
“Category 11 Display continues to perform well with collections 8% better than 2022. This category is comfortably ahead of its target (81%) which was also the case at the same time last year (78%). This would suggest that the 2023 target was not challenging enough which can be an issue as Schemes will not need the excess waste Display. We expect Defra to consider this trend when setting the 2024 target for Display.
“Defra will publish its long-delayed consultation on the reform of the WEEE Regulations in the new year which will include proposals on alternative metrics to measure success of the WEEE system. We look forward to reviewing these.”
For more information on WEEE producer compliance or to discuss a take back scheme, contact the team at compliance@wastecare.co.uk
