Are you or your company asking – “Do I need to sign up to a WEEE Compliance Scheme?”. If you’re having to ask, then the answer is most likely yes.
All companies that produce or distribute EEE are required by law to provide evidence to the Environment Agency of what EEE they have placed on to the UK market.
To do this, you will need to be registered with a WEEE Producer Compliance Scheme such as WasteCare Compliance – or you can register directly with the Environment Agency, subject to volumes placed on the market.
What does a WEEE Compliance Scheme do?
The scheme you join will compile your evidence of recycled WEEE and EEE that you place on the market, to ensure that your legal obligations are met in accordance with the UK legislation.
When does EEE become WEEE?
WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. This refers to any Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) which has come to the end of its life.
EEE is described as equipment that relies on an electrical current or electromagnetic field in order to work correctly. This includes equipment that is powered by a battery. However, not all electronic equipment is in scope of the WEEE Regulations and their specific categories. For more information on what EEE is covered by the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations, take a look at the current Government guidance.
Do I need to join a Compliance Scheme?
WEEE Regulations 2013 affect who they define as WEEE producers or WEEE distributors. A WEEE Producer is a company which:
- Manufactures or imports EEE under their own name or trademark, and who have EEE designed/manufactured which they market under their own name or trademark
- Resells EEE under their own name or trademark that has been produced by other suppliers – this would be ‘rebranding’
- Any company who imports from a third country on a professional basis would be considered an importer under the regulations
- If your company sells by means of distanced communication directly to end users from a third country, you would be classed as a ‘distance seller’
WEEE Distributors are companies who sell EEE directly to household end users.
Am I a large producer or a small producer of EEE?
- A large producer places 5 tonnes or more of EEE on the UK market per annum
- A small producer places less than 5 tonnes of EEE on the UK market per annum
The WasteCare Compliance Scheme
Whether you are already a member of a producer compliance scheme or believe you should be, we are here to help. WasteCare Compliance is a leading provider of producer compliance, helping companies across the UK comply with environmental regulations and achieve their sustainability goals. As part of the WasteCare Group, one of the UK’s top waste management companies, we have a distinct advantage over other compliance schemes.
WasteCare are one of the largest collectors and recyclers of WEEE in the UK, and with 17 service and recycling centres, we can meet all our members’ obligations from the material we process. This enables us to provide our members with low and sustainable prices.
We also pass on any third-party EA recognised evidence that is made available to us at cost price.
How do I sign up?
For more information and to discuss your company’s potential obligation, contact our Compliance Team.
For businesses who have not yet joined a WEEE Compliance Scheme, you have until the Environment Agency’s deadline of 30th November 2023 to join one for 2024.
