The WEEE Regulations came into effect in the UK on 1st July 2007. Its aims are to encourage manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to develop products with recycling in mind and also to improve the way that we treat this equipment when it becomes waste (WEEE).
The regulations outline to what WEEE they apply, who is affected by WEEE, what their responsibilities are (both in actions, costs and reporting) and how to join a Compliance Scheme, if appropriate.
acs’s responsibilities under the WEEE Regulations
Under the definitions of the regulations, acs office solutions is a ‘Distributor’ supplying EEE to non-household (business to business).
The Government Guidance Notes to the WEEE Regulations (URN 07/619) issued by the DTI state that “there are no obligations for distributors in relation to sales of non-household EEE, or for the take-back of non-household WEEE. However, as part of the supply chain for non-household EEE, you may be asked to assist producers and non-household end-users in discharging their obligations under the WEEE Regulations”
How acs can help their customers
Under certain circumstances, the cost of recycling WEEE will be the responsibility of the ‘Producer’. The definition of a producer in the Guidance Notes is:
- a manufacturer of EEE, selling under their own brand in the UK ; or
- a business based in the UK selling under their own brand EEE manufactured by another person; or
- a professional importer introducing EEE to the UK market; or
- a business based in the UK that places EEE in other European Members States by means of distance selling
Under other circumstances, the responsibility will lie with our customers (users of non-household EEE).
We will not attempt to fully explain these very complicated regulations in this document. However we will offer guidance to our customers according to their specific circumstance. Where the responsibility is the Producer’s, we will provide details of the Producer’s scheme for handling WEEE or direct them to the Producer’s web site or helpline for assistance.
Where the responsibility lies with a customer, acs offers a chargeable, fully compliant disposal service with legal documentation. Costs and full details are obtainable by calling 01604 704000 and speaking with a WEEE specialist, or by clicking here.
N.B.
- It should be noted that the WEEE Regulations cover the responsibility for disposing of WEEE. They do not cover the responsibility for the cost of transporting the WEEE.
- The guidance that we provide is based on our interpretation of the Government Guidance Notes and we accept no responsibility for this guidance.
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