The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is a law introduced with the aim of reducing the amount of waste created by electronic equipment. The directive requires countries to maximise separate collection and environmentally friendly processing of these items.
Unwanted electrical equipment is the UK's fastest growing type of waste. Many electrical items can be repaired or recycled, saving natural resources and the environment. If you do not recycle, electrical equipment will end up in landfill where hazardous substances will leak out and cause soil and water contamination – harming wildlife and also human health.
Recycling your old electrical items is easy! Recycle your electrical and electronic devices free at your local recycling centre. To find your nearest centre, visit the Recycle More www.recycle-more.co.uk website and type in your postcode.
To remind you that old electrical equipment can be recycled, it is now marked with a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol. Please do not throw any electrical equipment (including those marked with the crossed out wheelie bin symbol) in your bin.
The UK Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations were introduced in May 2009 with the aim of reducing the amount of used batteries ending up in landfill.
Each year, approximately 22,000 tonnes of UK household batteries are sent to landfill where the dangerous chemicals they contain (including lead, cadmium, zinc, lithium and even mercury) may leak into the ground causing soil and water pollution. This can be harmful to animals, humans and the environment. (source: recycle-more.co.uk)
Most supermarkets and shops that sell batteries will have collection bins for used batteries, and some town halls, libraries or schools may also set up collection points. You can also recycle batteries at many Household Waste & Recycling Centres. To find your nearest centre, visit the Recycle More www.recycle-more.co.uk website and type in your postcode.
The battery recycling symbol is almost the same as the WEEE crossed out wheelie bin but does not have the bar underneath. Cd, Hg and Pb underneath the wheelie bin symbol shows whether the battery contains cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb).