Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

In January 2007, the UK introduced the WEEE Regulations. The broad aim of this legislation is to address the environmental impacts of electrical and electronic equipment when it reaches the end of its life and to encourage its separate collection, subsequent treatment, reuse, recovery and environmentally sound disposal.

Regenersis is the only company in the UK granted the four key licenses under WEEE by the Environment Agency and BERR, including:

• Producer Compliance Scheme
• Approved Authorised Treatment Facility
• Designated Collection Facility
• Approved Exporter

This means that unlike any other industry, the mobile phone network operators have a complete end-to-end solution for the take-back, reuse, recycling and reporting of all products they put on the market.

All aspects of the process are fully audited, and these processes ensure that the re-use of handsets is maximised, thus protecting the environment. Reports on reuse and recycling rates are produced by Regenersis and sent to the network operator and the Environment Agency as proof of the re-use and recycling rates achieved. The company currently processes on average over 300,000 handsets per month. Approximately 80% of the handsets are refurbished and sent to developing countries, providing affordable communications. Approximately 20% are sent for safe recycling. Regenersis and its partners maintain a zero landfill policy.

For more information on the WEEE directive, please click here. For a copy of the latest regulations, click here.

For more information about becoming a member of the Regenersis Producer Compliance Scheme, please contact Ruth Webb.