Skip Hire in Upminster
WEEE Recycling Explained

What is WEEE?

The phrase stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Basically, this means any item that has a plug attached or is battery operated. There are various categories relating to WEEE, the most popular of which are listed below. When looking to get rid of electrical waste in Upminster, bear in mind that not all rubbish clearance and skip hire companies will collect WEEE, or they might only collect certain items.

Large Household Appliances

• Air-Conditioning Units

• Cooker Hoods

• Cookers

• Dishwashers

• Freezers

• Fridges

• Hobs

• Microwaves

• Tumble Dryers

• Washing Machines

Small Household Appliances

• Blenders

• Clocks

• Electric Razors

• Hairdryers

• Irons

• Kettles

• Sandwich Makers

• Sewing Machines

• Toasters

• Vacuum Cleaners

IT Equipment

• Answering Machines

• Calculators

• Computers

• Fax Machines

• Laptops

• Mobile Devices

• Printers

• Tablets

• Telephones

• Typewriters

Consumer Equipment and Photovoltaic Panels

• Amplifiers

• Cassette, CD and Record Players

• DVD Players

• Musical Instruments

• Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels

• Radios

• Satellite Television Systems

• Televisions

• Video Cameras

• Video Recorders

Other categories include

• Automatic Dispensing Machines

• Electrical and Electronic Tools

• Lighting Equipment

• Medical Devices (Excluding Implants or Infected Items)

• Monitoring and Control Equipment

• Toys, Leisure and Sports Equipment

Disposing of WEEE Waste

Safe waste removal and disposal of WEEE is crucial for protecting the environment and human health. This is because WEEE encompasses a wide range of devices which contain hazardous substances and materials that can be harmful if not handled properly. As such, it’s essential they are dismantled and the various sections recycled or disposed of correctly. If they are dumped in landfills without the proper procedures taking place, they will decay and contaminate the surrounding soil and water systems.

To minimise waste entering landfills, it’s crucial to promote recycling as the primary method of disposal following rubbish clearance. Recycling helps recover valuable resources and reduces the need for raw material extraction. Many components and materials in WEEE, such as metals, plastics and glass, can be recycled and reused in the manufacturing of new products. Thanks to professional rubbish removal and skip hire services, and recycling schemes, recycling WEEE waste in Upminster and further afield is easier than ever.

In addition to recycling, options like refurbishment and donation can also be considered for WEEE waste. Devices that are still functional can be refurbished and redistributed to those in need or sold as second-hand products. This extends their lifespan and reduces the overall environmental impact.

It is now illegal for companies to ignore the WEEE directive and dump hazardous materials or the items listed above, which is one reason reliable waste removal is so important.

Suppliers of WEEE products in the UK must also adhere to the following:

• Take back the relevant items for free, regardless of whether they were bought in store, online, over the telephone, or by mail order 

• Keep a record of all returned WEEE products for a minimum of four years

• Inform customers in writing of the company’s compliance and provide guidance and information relating to the appropriate disposal of WEEE

Where disposal is necessary, the hazardous substances present in WEEE must be managed carefully. These include heavy metals like lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as flame retardants and other toxic chemicals. Various methods used in the safe rubbish removal and disposal of WEEE include disassembly operations, shredding operations and treatment.

Specialised treatment methods are required to handle hazardous substances safely. Licensed recycling facilities have the expertise and equipment to extract and dispose of hazardous materials in an environmentally sound manner, preventing their release into the air, soil or water. Reputable rubbish clearance companies like G&S Waste Management take WEEE to such premises for suitable handling.

As such, you should never dispose of WEEE in your household bin. Some councils will collect small appliances left by the side of your bin, but make sure to check the rules for your area. Other disposal options include:

• Local recycling centres

• Paid-for collection services

• Rubbish removal services

• Donation (if items are in good condition)

Please note that skip hire is generally not a suitable waste removal option for WEEE.

Our team at G&S Waste Management is fully qualified and competent to deal with all manner of commercial and domestic waste, ensuring the safety of both ourselves and our clients in Upminster, Central and East London, and Essex.