Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations

We have produced a short guide to help you to understand the WEEE Regulations and how they affect your business.

The Regulations came into force on 2 January 2007, with full responsibility for treating and recycling WEEE commencing on 1 July 2007. The WEEE Regulations are enforced in Scotland by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). This legislation is in place to ensure that the UK complies with the European Union (EU) WEEE Directive.

Further information about the Regulations is available from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).

What is WEEE?

There are five categories of WEEE:

microwave

Large Electrical Appliances (such as washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, microwaves, tumble dryers)
Small Electrical Appliances (such as irons, hairdryers, tools such as drills, video games, IT and telephone equipment)
Fridges and Freezers
Fluorescent Tubes (including sodium lamps and energy saving light bulbs)
Televisions and Monitors (including computer and TV monitors and screens)

The Regulations apply to Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) in the above categories with a voltage of up to 1000 volts AC or up to 1500 volts DC.

Why are the WEEE Regulations necessary?

WEEE is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK. The aim of the Regulations is to address the environmental impacts of EEE when it reaches the end of its life and to encourage its separate collection, subsequent treatment, reuse, recovery, recycling and environmentally sound disposal.

Who do the WEEE Regulations affect?

The legislation applies to all businesses that manufacture, sell and use EEE. If you are unsure as to whether the WEEE Regulations affect your business please use our WEEE flowchart or visit the Netregs website.

Do the WEEE Regulations affect small businesses as well as large?

There are no exemptions for Small-Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) under the new Regulations. However the Government is working to ensure that costs are proportionate to the size of your business and its share of the EEE market.

What about special/hazardous waste?

Some WEEE can be classified as special/hazardous waste. This type of waste must undergo de-pollution treatment. Further information is available on the Netregs website.

How can my business comply with the new Regulations?

The WEEE flowchart shows the different actions that you must take in response to the new legislation, depending on what type of business you operate. Please note that this is simplified guidance. If you have specific questions regarding the legislation, you should contact your local SEPA office.

Our WEEE flowchart is designed to help you if you are uncertain about how WEEE regulations will affect your business.

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