WASTE
They need to ensure that all waste carriers are The National Audit Office’s 2007 report
appropriately registered and are complying Improving the disposal of public sector
with the duty of care and, in the case of information, communication and technology
hazardous WEEE, such as TVs, fluorescent (ICT) equipment highlights the risks of not
lamps, and fridges containing CFCs, the managing waste equipment properly and
Hazardous Waste Regulations. includes some helpful examples of best
There is concern that illegal exports of practice.
WEEE are sometimes linked to leakage of For example, at the Environment Agency
waste equipment from CA sites. we have centralised the management of our
We are giving illegal exports of WEEE own ICT equipment disposal and linked this
priority attention this year. These exports to the procurement of new equipment.
undermine businesses that have invested in This means that when we buy an item we
high quality refurbishment and treatment, can have already made arrangements to deal with
give rise to environmental harm, and have it when it’s no longer needed.
obvious implications for the reputation of any We have set our disposal contractor the
organisation associated with this activity. challenging target of zero waste to landfill.
The contractor and his outlets are audited
Environmental benefits
FACT FILE: WEEE
to ensure that recovery operations remain
What is the scope of the WEEE
The WEEE system is already bringing within the law and that equipment and
Directive?
benefits for the environment; better treatment, material flows are fully documented.
the Weee Directive covers a wide range
less waste to landfill and more recycling.
However, the Department for Business,
Dealing with data
of electrical and electronic products,
although some are exempt from certain
Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) Disposing of ICT equipment responsibly goes requirements. the types of products
is working closely with the WEEE Advisory beyond the treatment of the equipment itself. covered are:
Body (WAB), enforcement authorities, Recent high profile losses of sensitive
n large and small household appliances
producers, distributors, local authorities and information from public and private sector
n it and telecommunication equipment
other interested groups to review the UK organisations highlight the importance of
n consumer equipment such as tVs,
videos, hi-fi
WEEE system, to improve it still further. dealing with data and information that may
n lighting, electrical and electronic tools
This is clearly an opportunity for local be held within the end-of-life equipment.
(except large stationary industrial
authorities to share and promote best practice All organisations must ensure that data
tools)
at DCFs. is permanently erased when disposing of
n toys, leisure and sports equipment
computer equipment. n automatic dispensers
Linking procurement
If this isn’t done in-house, organisations n medical devices (these are exempt
need to be sure that their contractors are
from the Weee recycling and recovery
and disposal
doing this work effectively.
targets)
Local authorities also have an opportunity The risks associated with getting this
n monitoring and control instruments.
to lead by example at the other end of the wrong are potentially huge - embarrassment
Where can I read the full UK WEEE
process, as they are major buyers of electrical and loss of reputation through to criminal
Regulations?
and electronic equipment (EEE). The WEEE or civil liability for the loss of private or
the Directive is implemented in the
regulations present an opportunity to reduce sensitive data.
uK through two sets of regulations.
disposal costs. As the WEEE system approaches the the Waste electrical and electronic
Producers of new EEE for non-household end of the second compliance period, we equipment Regulations 2006, which
use must offer to take that equipment back should all take a moment to recognise the
implements most aspects of the Weee
when it’s no longer wanted. achievements to date. We should welcome
Directive in the uK, came into force on 2
If requested, they also have to take back the government’s commitment in involving
January 2007.
the Waste electrical and electronic
(on a one-for-one basis) old equipment all interested groups in improving the system
equipment (Waste Management
(supplied by any producer before 13 August still further and look forward to the prospect
licensing) (england and Wales)
2005) when supplying a replacement product. of the UK being at the very forefront of
Regulations 2006 came into force on 5
The government has made it clear that WEEE management.
January 2007. these regulations cover
it expects the public sector to be a leading Local authorities have made a significant england and Wales and deal with the
exponent of sustainable development and contribution to the success of the system so site licensing requirements and Weee
lead the way in adopting best practice. far and they will continue to be major players
treatment requirements of the Weee
There is an opportunity for local in this and other systems aimed at diverting
Directive. Similar but separate legislation
authorities to link their EEE procurement waste from landfill.
will be introduced in Scotland and
northern ireland.
and disposal arrangements to reduce cost and We will continue to offer both
environmental impact and ensure compliance householders and local authorities
n For more information, visit
with environmental and data management support and guidance on managing waste
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
legislation. appropriately.
SuStainable SolutionS January/December 2009 41
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