World Recycling Day: Dealers must recycle old electronic equipment

Imagine the scenario. Your TV just broke. Maybe your dog knocked it over (if you’re lucky enough to have a pooch), or worse, someone overflowed the bath and it was under the tide.

Or maybe it’s not broke and you just want a new TV.

For whatever reason, before you throw away your old appliance – or any electrical or electronic device of any kind – did you know what it was?

That’s right. Sprayed on a new washing machine? Whoever you bought it has to arrange for the old one to be picked up. Fridge on the Fritz? Buy a replacement and it will be out of your hair.

All of this is to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment is disposed of properly and recycled as much as possible to protect our planet by both conserving resources and preventing pollution and contamination.

Good news for everyone, right?

It’s getting better – and that doesn’t just apply to brick-and-mortar retail. Online retailers must also offer or arrange for the collection of unwanted electronics when selling an equivalent item.

However, the amount of household electrical and electronic equipment (or WEEE) recycled has remained broadly flat over the past decade.

Commenting on the figures, a Defra spokesman said: “Our environmental improvement plan sets out our plan to revise the rules for the collection and recycling of WEEE this year. As part of this, we plan to review what legislative changes are needed to encourage the collection of unwanted electronic equipment for reuse and recycling.’

However, it is not only WEEE that can be returned. More and more retailers are offering recycling programs for old goods when buying new or even without a purchase – often with discounts and points in return.

So now you know you can do your part. Don’t throw away, recycle.

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