Working in Europe for Everyone in Yorkshire and the Humber

18th July 2007 - Recycling electricals should be WEEE-sy peasy

Replacing an old stereo or computer? Still got old kitchen gadgets lying around? From this month, recycling old waste electrical and electronic equipment should become a lot easier, thanks to European legislation championed by local Euro-MP, Linda McAvan.

The WEEE Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment came into full effect in the UK on July 1st, requiring electrical manufacturers to make provision so that individuals and businesses can recycle old technology.

If you are buying new electrical equipment, you should notice information in shops about where you can recycle your old products, often through local authority collection sites, although some shops will provide an in-house collection service. If you find that this information is not available, or that you are unable to recycle your old goods, Linda McAvan would like to hear about it.

Linda McAvan said;

"I know that a lot of people have been concerned about what they should do with old electrical equipment, and we know that simply dumping it in landfill isn't good for the environment, but this new legislation should make recycling it a lot easier. Electrical retailers should be able to give you information about how to get your old products recycled, and may even offer collection services. But if you are having difficulties in obtaining that information, or are unable to recycle old products, please do let me know."