Anything with a plug or a battery can be WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and (under the UK WEEE Regulations) must be recycled. In the UK households alone throw away about one million tonnes of WEEE items each year.

What types of equipment are WEEE?

Virtually all products which need electricity to function. This means most types of electrical item used in the home whether operated by mains supply or battery.

• Large household appliances e.g. fridges
• Small household appliances e.g. toasters
• IT and telecommunications equipment e.g. printers
• Consumer equipment e.g. Hi-Fi
• Lighting equipment e.g. flourescent tubes
• Electrical and electronic tools e.g. power drills
• Toys, leisure and sports equipment e.g. video games consoles
• Medical devices e.g. dialysis machines
• Monitoring and control instruments e.g. smoke alarms
• Automatic dispensers e.g. coffee vending machines

How do I get rid of WEEE from home?

• If you are replacing an electrical item ask the shop about ways of getting rid of the old one. Most major shops will take items back directly.
• If the item is in good condition - ask your local charity furniture scheme if they will collect it.
• You can take WEEE from home to a Household Recycling Centre (HRC).

What about WEEE from a business activity?

We do not accept WEEE from commercial sources at any of our recycling sites. You must contact a licenced contractor for the removal and recycling of any WEEE from a business.

For more information visit the Environment Agency website via the link below.

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