WEEE Disposal & Recycling

The disposal and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment present a number of significant challenges, particularly in residential settings. With items ranging from fridges and vacuum cleaners, to tools and toys, WEEE often contains a complex mix of materials that are potentially harmful to the environment, making the effective practice of collection and recycling a priority consideration.

The sheer diversity of electrical goods can be problematic when it comes to organising effective disposal and collection. If administered without the correct handling, smaller WEEE is often disposed of in general waste streams, with larger items causing an unseemly visual environment for residents, as well as increasing fire risk and becoming potential focal points for antisocial behaviour.

The latest regulations regarding WEEE centre around reducing the amount that ends up in landfills. The primary means for achieving this goal is by placing the majority responsibility on the producers and distributors of electronic items to finance the correct treatment of WEEE. This also includes the obligation to provide a take-back system where items can be disposed of free of charge.

Understandably, however, some of the responsibility falls on the shoulders of households to dispose of their WEEE in a manner that befits current regulations, either by utilising the benefits of the take-back system or by disposing of their WEEE at the nearest household waste recycling centre. An alternative measure would be to contact their local authority to arrange for collection, although this would incur a charge, an aspect that presents a hindrance to some households.

A simple and effective solution takes the form of dedicated WEEE disposal points. These provide clear signage that transmits effectively and coherently, making it easier for local residents to dispose of WEEE correctly.

Recognising these challenges, metroSTOR has designed and developed a WEEE specific aperture that’s perfectly compatible with our existing range of PBM bin housings. This approach helps to separate small to medium-sized WEEE so that it can be safely deposited within the bin housing, combining with our other apertures to deliver the effective separation of waste and recyclables.

Due to the rapidly increasing value of copper, WEEE disposal points are potential targets for theft with a view to stripping parts for resale. In response, the metroSTOR PBM range houses bins within a secure lockable unit, while the new aperture design further enhances security with an internal shelf to further hinder the removal of WEEE from their designated collection point.