Total WEEE collections for Q4 of 2021 were published on the 1st of March, revealing that the total collections for last year constituted 97.4% of the national target.
Although the target was, for the fifth consecutive year, not achieved it is a good indication that collections are returning to pre-pandemic levels and that compliance schemes will rely less on achieving their obligations via contributions to the Compliance Fee.
In total, 490,540 tonnes of household WEEE was collected which is roughly 30,000 more than 2020. This is most likely attributable to reduced lockdown measures and increased opening of Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Collections increased in many categories when compared with 2020, including for small household appliances, consumer equipment and IT and telecomms. Collections fell however in category 1 – large domestic appliances – and medical devices.
No over-reliance on the Compliance Fee
Robbie Staniforth, Innovation and Policy Director, says “the end of year picture is much more positive than last year’s, and in fact, more positive than anticipated. The improved collection figures stand as a testament to the hard work of the thousands of people involved in collecting, sorting and recycling. It is also a consequence of citizens re-engaging with recycling their electricals post-lockdown.
Fortunately, it means producers will not be over-reliant on the Compliance Fee in order to fund the system. The compliance fee fund helps to support recycling initiatives but it is not a substitute for financing the real recycling that takes place around the country every day. We anticipate that Defra will be looking to build on these successes, rather than re-invent the wheel with their anticipated consultation later this year.”
For more information on what these figures mean for you, please contact our team.
