Sign up for WEEE schemes or face fines

Those covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations should, by now, have signed up to a compliance scheme which enables them to take legal responsibility for the waste their trade produces.

But regulators say there are still those who have failed to do so and that they will take a dim view of those found to be deliberately flouting the rules.

Liz Parkes, head of waste at the Environment Agency, said: “Around 3,900 producers have signed up for the first compliance period which runs to the end of this year and they’ll need to renew their registration for next year with any of the compliance schemes available.

“However, we know that there are still some companies out there that need to register for the current year. Our message is simple – join an approved compliance scheme now. Leave it too late and you risk enforcement action from us.”

The WEEE regulations came into force in the UK in July with the aim of putting the financial responsibility for e-waste on the shoulders of those who profit from its production and an ultimate goal of increasing the recycling, recovery and reuse of these goods.

“As we move towards the end of the first compliance period we are still working to help make sure businesses are complying with the new rules,” said Ms Parkes.

“However if we find a business has flouted the rules and deliberately avoided registering, we will take enforcement action. These regulations are about protecting our environment and it’s important that everyone plays their part.”

For the full list of approved compliance schemes and their contact details, along with further information and advice on the regulations, visit the WEEE pages of the EA’s website.

Sam Bond