It does not matter if you call it e waste, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), IT equipment or electronics, there are many reasons to make sure that electrical waste is disposed of responsibly.
This is the same for homeowners who are upgrading appliances, as well as businesses and organiastions that are replacing IT infrastructure.
In this blog, we’ll outline key information about recycling electrical waste properly. This is a legal obligation and an environmental imperative, so it’s important to make sure you choose a responsible method of disposal.
What Is Electrical Waste?
Electrical waste includes pretty much any item with a plug, battery, or cable that is no longer working or wanted. Common examples include:
Household items – TVs, kettles, toasters, fridges, hairdryers
Business equipment – computers, printers, server racks, medical devices, lighting equipment
Industrial or specialist devices – vending machines, lab equipment, power tools
How is E Waste Categorised?
The UK Government categorises WEEE into ten broad types, including large and small household appliances, IT and telecoms equipment, lighting, and electrical tools.
Under Annex I of the original EU WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) and retained in the UK’s implementation of the WEEE Regulations 2013. The numbering from 1 to 10 is a formal classification system used by regulators and waste management professionals to organise and report electrical and electronic equipment types consistently.
Below is the official structure as recognised in regulatory and reporting frameworks:
- Large household appliances
- Small household appliances
- IT and telecommunications equipment
- Consumer equipment
- Lighting equipment
- Electrical and electronic tools (except large-scale stationary industrial tools)
- Toys, leisure and sports equipment
- Medical devices (except implanted and infected products)
- Monitoring and control instruments
- Automatic dispensers
The above categories are are used by the following:
- Producer Compliance Schemes (PCS)
- Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATFs)
- Waste collectors and local authorities
- DEFRA and the Environment Agency for reporting and compliance
There is also a “dual use” clarification, which helps determine whether certain items (e.g. laptops, kettles) used by businesses are to be classified as household or non-household WEEE.
Why Should You Try To Recycle Electrical Waste?
Environmental Protection
WEEE often contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. If not handled correctly, these materials can leach into soil and water systems.
Conservation of Resources
Electrical waste contains valuable raw materials like copper, aluminium, and rare earth metals, which can be recovered and reused.
Legal Compliance
UK businesses have a legal duty to dispose of WEEE in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013. These require producers, distributors, and users of electrical equipment to ensure it is collected and treated responsibly.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
For businesses, responsible WEEE recycling demonstrates environmental stewardship and aligns with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and broader ESG goals.
How to Recycle Electrical Waste For Households
Local Recycling Centres
Most councils operate Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) that accept electricals. Items should be separated from general waste and deposited in the appropriate WEEE containers.
Retailer Take-Back Schemes
Under the UK Distributor Take-Back Scheme (DTS), many retailers must offer in-store or collection services when you buy a replacement item. Check the seller’s WEEE policy before purchase.
Council Collections
Some local authorities offer kerbside collections of small WEEE items or bulky waste pick-ups for larger appliances (often for a fee).
How to Recycle Electrical Waste For Businesses
Licensed Waste Carriers
Businesses must use licensed waste carriers to collect and process WEEE. Carriers should provide a Waste Transfer Note or Hazardous Waste Consignment Note, depending on the items being disposed of.
WEEE Compliance Schemes
Producers (manufacturers, importers, or own-brand sellers) must register with a Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS), which ensures their share of electrical waste is collected and treated.
Asset Recovery & IT Disposal Services
Specialist providers offer secure disposal for IT equipment, including data destruction certificates—important for GDPR compliance.
What Are Some Of The Regulatory & Legal Considerations When Recycling WEEE
WEEE Regulations 2013 (UK)
These regulations implement the EU WEEE Directive and place responsibilities on producers, distributors, and users of electrical equipment.
Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
Some electrical waste (e.g. fridges, fluorescent tubes, batteries) is classified as hazardous and must be handled accordingly.
Duty of Care
Businesses have a legal “Duty of Care” under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to ensure their waste is managed responsibly.
Data Protection Compliance
When disposing of IT equipment, ensure all personal or confidential data is securely erased in accordance with GDPR requirements.
The Onus Is On You To Choose A Compliant Method Of Disposal
Recycling electrical waste is a legal responsibility. It is also important to consider the sustainability aspects too. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a business owner, facilities manager, or a resident, understanding the right procedures will make sure your electrical waste disposal is compliant, protects the environment and supports the UK’s circular economy.
We’re a licensed waste management company so we can offer tailored WEEE collection and recycling services for domestic or commercial customers. If you would like to dispose of electrical items then just get in touch with our team and we’ll find a solution that suits your needs.
