What is WEEE?
WEEE is an acronym and stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and covers virtually everything with a plug or battery. WEEE is classed as either household (B2C) or non-household (B2B).
Examples are.
- Electrical leads to all electrical items
- Phone chargers and mobile phones
- Electric toothbrushes
- Kettles and coffee makers
- Food processers
- Toasters and sandwich makers
- Computer accessories like a mouse, controllers or even small consoles
- Small radios
No items larger than a toaster or kettle size or food processer.
Where can I take WEEE Waste?
Electrical goods and appliances can be recycled at the Household Recycling and Reuse Centre (the tip) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/tip]. Alternatively you can arrange for a collection using our bulky waste collection service [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bulkywaste] for a small charge. Electrical appliances of any size should not be put into any of your household bins [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/ourbins].
If your items are still in working order and good condition (no mould or rust) why not donate them to a charity shop, or offer them to friend or family?
What happens to WEEE Waste
Our electrical and electronic waste often contains precious metals that can be recovered and then be reused in other items. In doing this we are saving precious natural resources and play a part in reducing the use of climate changing emissions.
All electrical waste contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment. When WEEE is simply dumped in landfills, over time the products decay and leak toxins into the earth and our water systems. This can lead to the toxins entering our food chain and ultimately, into us.
E-waste recycling provides proper handling and management of toxic chemical substances like mercury, lead and cadmium contained in the e-waste stream. E-waste recycling creates new jobs for professional recyclers and creates a second market for the recycled materials.
- correctly disposing of WEEE items reduces the burden on landfill, meaning fewer harmful chemicals are emitted into the atmosphere.
- using recycled rather than raw materials to make new products helps to lower levels of greenhouse gases being sent into the environment.
WEEE waste is then taken to a specialist reprocessing plant where your items are shredded into small pieces ready to be recycled.
How are electricals recycled?
What happens to your waste?
We take all your items to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF) for disposal. This guarantees that any recycling and final disposal are done in accordance with WEEE Regulations, a process that usually takes 7-10 days for completion.
It's the law. In the UK, you could be prosecuted if you don't get your e-waste properly disposed of and fail to comply with WEEE regulations.