The 2018 Q2 UK WEEE collection figures have been released by Defra, and the data continues to vindicate the decision made to reduce targets for the year in the interest of the industry.
The data released, however, projects a similar rhetoric to that of Q1 in highlighting the difficulties ahead for the remainder of 2018.
The information presented on 28 August shows that we are below the requisite collection figures for the halfway point of the year, barring Category 2 that relates to Small Household Appliances.
The graph below gives a visual representation of the data to illustrate the gains that need to be made in each category:
Continuing the trend from Q1, it is difficult to confirm whether or not the UK will be able to rectify the situation with only half of the year to go, but the data would suggest that we are not on track to do so.
In respect to the shortfalls in question, it is particularly concerning to see the two largest WEEE categories – Large Household Appliances and Refrigerants – to be so critically behind target with 6,804 and 5,747 tonne deficiencies respectively.
The table below shows this information in greater detail across each of the categories, and we would of course expect, and hope, that all areas were at 50% or above, but for the most part we are hovering around 45%.
Demand for evidence outstrips supply
Erring on the side of positivity, there is often an increase in collections in Q3, so the shortfall in the areas that are only just shy of 50% could well be made up, but this is by no means a guarantee.
Ultimately, the deficits shown in WEEE collection evidence, whilst validating the reduction in targets, will increase the pressures on the market as demand continues to outstrip supply. The supply issue has increased prices across all WEEE categories for 2018 – in comparison to 2017 – as compliance schemes across the UK struggle to meet their obligations.
Robbie Staniforth, policy manager commented, “It’s clear that the system in the UK for WEEE recycling is creaking somewhat. The situation is extremely complicated, with target setting a real challenge for Defra. However, we are very hopeful that we will not see a repeat of the near £8 million WEEE compliance fee fund last year."
"We look forward to contributing to Defra’s post-implementation review of the regulations. There are many problem areas, including the magnitude of the compliance fee and risk with missing targets, that we expect to be highlighted.”
As always your account manager is on hand to discuss in greater detail how this may affect your compliance. Simply contact our team for more information.
Josh Wytchard
Account manager
Josh works in the client services team to provide key support to our members, helping them to fulfill their compliance obligations accurately and on time. Having studied criminology at Manchester University there is no detail or inconsistency too small for him to miss, an advantageous skill in the world of compliance. A previous role working for one of Europe's largest IT solution providers as an account manager also means that he brings key skills and experience to benefit our members.
Useful links
The recently published Q3 collection data indicates a steady progression toward the annual target, currently reaching 76%.
Read More >>In the second quarter of 2023, the WEEE collection figures show that a total of 118,953 tonnes of WEEE has been collected from households across April – June, which is a 3% increase compared to Q1 collections.
Read More >>Across the first quarter of 2023, a total of 120,433 tonnes of household WEEE has been collected, showing a slight increase of 562 tonnes compared to WEEE collected in Q1 2022.
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