Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
This symbol will be placed on items that fall into this category. When you see the crossed out wheelie bin symbol on a products packaging it means that the product cannot be disposed of in your normal rubbish bin.
The new regulations have been introduced in order to minimise the environmental impact of the disposal of these products and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. There are many hazardous substances used in electrical products such as mercury and lead. When electrical products are disposed of these substances can pollute our environment. The toxic substances leak into the air, land and water, not only affecting our environment but also causing serious health problems for us.
The regulation aims to reduce landfill waste by increasing the amount of electrical equipment that is recycled and minimize the environmental impact of WEEE, by pre-treating electrical items before disposal. The regulation does not obligate you as a consumer therefore making its success dependant on your cooperation.
The regulations affect producers of electrical products and mean that they are responsible for the disposal of these items and will offer a free take back scheme.
