For the first time in seven years the UK has met its targets for WEEE collection (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Defra published the 2023 data on Friday 1 March, which saw rates exceeding its target of 471,942 tonnes by 0.2%, with 473,019 tonnes of household WEEE collected. This is the first time the UK has reached its target since 2016.
However it is important to note that the UK’s target had been reduced between 2022 and 2023 due to a decrease in EEE being placed on market in 2021. This is widely believed to have been an impact of the pandemic.
How are WEEE collection targets calculated?
WEEE collection targets are set on an annual basis. They are calculated using the previous three years of placed on market data, with the collection target equating to 65% of this tonnage. 2023 saw a reduction of 0.7% in POM WEEE, meaning the provisional target for 2024 is 479,872 tonnes.
There are however fears that hitting collection targets will actual deter further WEEE collections if compliance schemes have met their members’ obligation. Local Authorities are protected from this potential decrease in activity under WEEE Regulation 34, however sectors that benefit from these collections such as reuse charities will likely suffer as a consequence.
If you’re a WEEE Producer in the UK, contact our team today to discuss our Compliance Scheme and our competitive fees.
