With the release of Defra’s WEEE collection figures, all predictions made towards the end of 2017 have been realised.
Unfortunately the latest figures reveal that the UK as a whole has missed the WEEE collection targets in all but Category 14. The overall shortfall was close to 100,000 Tonnes of WEEE across all categories – around 16% of the total target.
Compliance fee
With such a shortfall, compliance schemes will be required to fall back on the WEEE compliance fee, used when schemes are unable to gain enough evidence to cover their total obligations. The proceeds from the fee are used to support projects that encourage WEEE recycling and support collections.
As the graph above outlines, each of the Categories (except 14) missed the target. This means that for compliance schemes payment of a fee on their individual shortfalls will have to be made, the exact amount determined by how far each individual scheme is from the target.
What does 2018 look like?
With the UK collection targets likely to remain the same or similar for 2018, and decreasing amounts of Household EEE being placed on the market, this year may well be just as challenging, if not more so, for compliance schemes.
If you would like to discuss your WEEE compliance, please contact us.
Anna Ford
Account manager
Anna provides key support for Ecosurety members across the batteries, packaging and WEEE regulations, with a particular focus on import and manufacture companies. Helping with data submissions, calculating obligations and making the nuances of the producer responsibility regulations understandable are all in a days work.
Useful links
Defra have released the UK WEEE collections figures up to the end of Q3, and unfortunately it looks like we are falling behind on the targets – with a considerable risk of the UK missing the national targets for a second year running.
Read More >>The UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations require companies to take responsibility for reducing the environmental impact of electrical items they place on to the UK market, when the products reach the end of their lives.
Read More >>The Environment Agency, with support from WEEE compliance schemes, have updated their support document for the WEEE regulations. The new guidance clarifies changes happening from 1 January 2019 under the new Open Scope requirements.
Read More >>
