WEEE directive recast: are you ready?

Concordia Technologies, based in Burnley, Lancashire, is one of thousands of UK companies affected by the directive, which aims to regulate the collection and safe disposal of potentially harmful electrical equipment, rather than allow it to clog up landfill sites.

Following a period of consultation, it is due to be amended to incorporate new EU collection targets, new targets for recovery/reuse and recycling, and new obligations for distributors and retailers.

The recasting of the directive will also bring changes to the way WEEE is classified, to incorporate newer technologies which have entered the market since the directive was originally established.

Steve Pountain, quality manager at Concordia Technologies, said, ‘The importance of the WEEE directive cannot be overstated, from a health and safety point of view.

‘The electrical industry was crying out for consistent guidelines on how to safely dispose of WEEE when it becomes obsolete, so in that respect the directive has been welcome.

‘However, as with any continent wide legislation, there is a large degree of bureaucracy which cannot be escaped. For that reason it is important for businesses to use the time between now and the recast to familiarise themselves with the directive and its requirements, and the possible consequences of non-compliance.

‘There is a wealth of information available online, and we will be offering advice and guidance to our customers to ensure they remain compliant.’

The WEEE directive recast is due to come into force in early 2014.

You May Also Like

ElectricSafe welcomes show of cross-party support

ElectricSafe welcomes show of cross-party support ElectricSafe has welcomed significant cross-party support, acknowledging the ...

JIB launches new Apprentice Registration package

JIB launches new Apprentice Registration package Apprentices in the electrical industry can now benefit ...

Video: In-sure lever wire connectors

Ideal Industries, a producer of connectors, hand tools, testers, and meters for the electrical ...