WEEE Recycling, Collection and Disposal Service
From computers, monitors and telephones to fridges, fluorescent tubes and industrial machines, if your business requires a WEEE recycling service, we can help.
We provide a total waste management and recycling service through a nationwide network of professional partners and recycling facilities. So whether you require a one-off collection or a dedicated container for waste electrical equipment, we can provide the right service for you.
In the UK, the amount of waste produced increases by up to three per cent every year. This percentage may not sound significant, but if we look at the bigger picture, we are talking about doubling the figure in the next 20-25 years. At present, the country sends over 18 million tonnes of waste to landfill each year.
Waste ending up in the landfill is evidence that something is wrong somewhere. Perhaps, it is our over-consumption that is preventing us from living a sustainable life. Today, we are presented with a waste crisis that if not addressed properly will contribute to other serious problems such as pollution and diseases.
Industries and companies need to implement zero waste strategies to value and use resources to their full extent. What this means is that we should aim to reduce where possible, reuse when needed and recycle whenever we can to prevent items from ending up in the landfill. In fact, the landfill should only be seen as a last resort for disposing of business waste.
The Importance of Recycling Electrical Waste
Over the past few decades, technology has advanced at an astonishing rate. Today, most of the consumer electronics and electrical products are manufactured to be cheaper, but subsequently, end up less durable than those produced in the past. Some companies keep upgrading their gadgets and as soon as slicker models are available, the previous ones become obsolete.
What we don’t realise is that many of these electrical and electronic items which are no longer usable or have become outdated simply end up in the landfill which have a serious impact on the environment. These items are also often disposed of improperly such as through incineration which leads to air pollution and the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere, giving rise to health issues.
It is estimated that almost 2 million tonnes of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) products are discarded by companies and households in the UK every year. The problem with these items is that they contain toxic materials such as lead and mercury which when disposed of incorrectly can cause many serious problems, not only for humans but for the environment as well.
This is why UK laws require companies and businesses to opt for recycling practices. Businesses must comply with the WEEE regulations and take measures to ensure that they are recycling electrical waste in a safe and compliant manner.
At Utopia Waste, we are committed to helping businesses move towards sustainable living by disposing of their old and used WEEE items in a legally compliant and environmentally safe manner.
Regardless of the size of your business or the volume of WEEE waste generated, we can assist you with the proper collection and disposal of your business waste, while ensuring that your needs are adequately met.
WEEE Waste Classification
If the item has a battery or a plug and has reached the end of its useful life, it can be classed as a WEEE waste. WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and as per the UK regulations, they can be classified into ten categories.
- Large household appliances such as microwaves, washing machine, freezers and refrigerators
- Small household appliances such as toasters and irons
- Consumer equipment such as televisions and camcorders
- Electronic and electrical tools such as sewing machines, saws and drills
- IT and telecommunications equipment such as computers, fax machines and copying machines
- Lighting equipment such as lamps and fluorescent lights
- Medical devices such as dialysis machines, cardiology equipment and analysers
- Toys, sports and leisure equipment such as game consoles, treadmills and fitness equipment
- Automatic dispensers such as money dispensers
- Monitoring and control instruments such as thermostats and smoke detectors
WEEE Directive Overview
To address the problem of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment items being sent to the landfill and creating environmental and health issues, several pieces of legislation have been put in place.
The WEEE Directive that was enforced in February 2003 enables consumers to return their old or outdated products free of charge. The purpose of this legislation is to improve recycling rates and prevent as many WEEE items as possible from being sent to the landfill.
In January 2013, the RoHS Directive came into force which restricts the use of toxic or hazardous substances in the manufacture of electrical products. Under this directive, manufacturers are to substitute heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury with safer alternatives in their products.
How We Can Help Your Business Recycle WEEE Waste
We aim to help businesses to reduce the amount of electrical waste they produce. For all unavoidable waste, we provide businesses with efficient, safe, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible waste management services.
We offer WEEE recycling services throughout the country. Our end-to-end waste management can cater for all of your waste recycling and disposal needs while helping you keep costs down.
With an exceptional support service from the first step to the last, we are the waste management company you can trust.
As a one-stop-shop for all your waste management needs, we can arrange for the swift collection of your WEEE waste whenever required.
We know that the regulations surrounding WEEE recycling can be complex and the ever-changing policies can make it hard for you to understand what is required of you and how much you should be paying. But you need not worry, because we can handle every aspect of your business waste management, making the process as easy for you as possible.
Using our experience, we can arrange for the proper storage, collection and recycling of your WEEE waste. We will offer a tailor-made solution that fits your business waste management needs.
Our services are cost-effective and you can rely on us to handle all of your waste management and recycling needs in a professional manner. Whether you run a small local business or a large nationwide company, we are ready to help boost your recycling and lower your disposal costs.
For a free quote for any type of WEEE recycling, contact us using our online quote form.