The EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), becomes law in the UK on 13th August 2004
21.06.2004 - CCL NEWS

Companies should be made aware that there are new EU laws, coming into force in August, which govern the disposal of electronic equipment - and there are no exemptions for SMEs in the Directives.

The EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), becomes law in the UK on 13th August 2004.

It will impact any UK business using IT equipment today.
The WEEE Directive aims to minimise the impacts of electrical and electronic equipment on the environment during their life times and when they become waste.

It applies to a huge spectrum of products including Computer Hardeware.

It encourages and sets criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of waste IT equipment.

The enforcement of the WEEE and RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directives will greatly assist in the reduction of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other hazardous chemicals in our environment. WEEE and RoHS have implications for product manufacturers, component manufacturers, importers, retailers, local authorities and consumers.

There are no exemptions for small companies in the Directives. This new Directive now makes everyone responsible for disposing of IT equpment in an environmentally friendly way.

Under finance agreements, the equipment can be returned at the end of the primary lease term free of charge. The leasing company is then responsible for environmentally sound disposal and data cleansing in line with EC regulations. The cost of disposal can often outweigh any residual value in the equipment.