B2B Compliance Latest News

EA produces guidance on ‘Fixed Installations’

2012-09-21 10:43:38

The Environment Agency has attempted to clarify the definition of fixed installations – parts of which are, potentially, outside the scope of the WEEE Regulations. While the term ‘fixed installation’ is not found in the text of either the WEEE Directive or the UK WEEE Regulations, it is a phrase used by the European Commission in technical guidance about the extent of the derogation in Article 2.1 of the WEEE Directive for ‘electronic equipment that is part of another type of equipment that does not fall within the scope of the Directive’. Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) covered by Article 2.1 is out of scope of the Directive and the Regulations. The EA has taken care to state that the guidance is just that and is not legally binding but will take it into account in deciding whether electrical equipment is in scope or not. The key wording in the guidance is "single functional or commercial unit". Therefore a single functional or commercial electronic product placed on the market would not be a fixed installation, and would be regarded as EEE and in scope, because a fixed installation is deemed to be a combination of products and systems or parts some of which may be electronic products and others not. For further information contact B2B Compliance.

21.09.12

EA produces draft guidance for AATFs

2012-09-19 08:12:03

The Environment Agency has produced draft guidance for Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATFs) for use by EA officers when auditing - either under the WEEE Regulations or under Pollution, Prevention and Control (PPC) measures. The Guidance includes the definition and composition of small mixed WEEE (SMW), the Permitting and Treatment requirements for SMW using Best Available Treatment Recovery and Recycling Techniques (BATRRT), Hazardous Waste Coding (including batteries) and Storage and Handling standards for SMW together with a site inspection checklist. Copies can be obtained by contacting B2B Compliance.

19.09.12

B2B Compliance appointed to WEEE Working Group

2012-09-17 12:27:31

Project Director of B2B Compliance, David Burton, has been invited onto the BIS WEEE Working Group intended to provide input through transposition of the recast WEEE Directive. Also representing the B-to-B sector will be Peter Lawson of GAMBICA and Anne Humberstone of BEAMA. David Burton responded “This is an excellent opportunity for the B-to-B sector views to be taken into account when the new WEEE Regulations are drafted. The forthcoming imposition of increased collection targets covering both B2C and B2B sectors could result in a mad scramble for collections or, worse still, a separate marketplace for so-called evidence, unless sensible and pragmatic approaches are taken”. The first meeting of the WEEE Working Group will be held on 8th October and will look at solutions to the issues raised by the Recast Directive and the Red Tape challenge with a particular emphasis on developing ideas or changes to the UK system that would address the issues arising from the Red Tape Challenge.

17.09.12

B2B Compliance adds additional ‘WEEEbinar’

2012-09-13 10:12:47

Since going live with its webinar programme B2B Compliance has added an additional webinar due to popular demand. The focus will be on the implications of the new WEEE Regulations on the B-to-B sector and, in particular, changes to category definitions and the new targets.

If the regulations don’t take into account significant resale, refurbishment and recycling activities happening outside of the WEEE Regulations the sector could be faced with impossible recycling targets. The webinars (or WEEEbinars!), aimed primarily at Members and other appropriate Producers, are programmed for 3rd, 9th and 17th of October. In addition an attended seminar will take place at the London offices of the GAMBICA trade association on Thursday 11th October.

B2B Compliance will be hosting a series of seminars and webinars during October. Find out more details by emailing clarei@b2bcompliance.org.uk.

13.09.12

Eco Design and Energy Labelling for TVs

2012-09-10 10:42:33

The European Commission has sent out a discussion paper on the review of the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations for televisions and on the draft Regulation on electronic displays, including computer monitors. To assist in developing the UK Government response, stakeholders are invited to send comments to efficient.products@defra.gsi.gov.uk, quoting "Television Working Document Comments" by Friday 14th September.

The document can be viewed by clicking here.

10.09.12

Mark Fallon new WEEE minister

2012-09-10 10:07:46

Michael Fallon MP has been named as the new minister responsible for WEEE at BIS as part of the government's reshuffle. He is replacing outgoing Minister Mark Prisk, who has held the role since 2010.

His new role will see him given responsibility for BIS’s drive to cut red tape for businesses, which will include plans to overhaul the UK’s WEEE sector and make the system ‘more transparent’ for producers of electrical equipment. He will also oversee the development of new legislation transposing the Recast WEEE Directive.

10.09.12

WRAP Research – WEEE Treatment Techniques

2012-09-06 10:01:29

WRAP (Waste and Resource Action Programme) have recently released a summary of key findings following their research into the recovery and disposal of WEEE in the UK. The document reviews the current situation for the recovery of WEEE and the potential opportunities to advance WEEE recovery in the future. The changing WEEE landscape and how the recovery of WEEE material can be maximised is also discussed.

To view Wrap’s key findings please click on the following link http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/WEEE%20recovery%20in%20the%20UK.pdf

06.09.12

B2B Compliance to host WEEE seminars and webinars

2012-08-30 13:50:44

B2B Compliance will be hosting a series of seminars and webinars during October. The focus will be on the implications of the new WEEE Regulations arising from the Recast Directive and, in particular, changes to category definitions and the new targets. If the new targets are introduced without due consideration of the differential between the B2B and the B2C marketplace it could bring a chaotic scramble which could make the current concern over recycling costs pale into insignificance.
The webinars will be held on the 3rd and 9th of October with one in-person seminar being held at the GAMBICA offices on 11th October. Members, and appropriate prospective members, can find out more details by emailing clarei@b2bcompliance.org.uk

30.08.12

AIWOLG Meeting planned for September

2012-08-29 07:56:38

The Environment Agencies and Industry WEEE Liaison Group will be holding a meeting on the 19th September to follow up agreed actions from the March meeting (the June meeting being cancelled). These include actions for the Environment Agencies to identify why 492 companies failed to renew registration and to confirm the processes to identify companies that drop out and to explain why there were 79 resubmissions of data by Producer Compliance Schemes following closure of the Settlement Centre and issuing of the first of the Schemes’ preliminary obligations.

29.08.12

Producer Responsibility Regulations Review

2012-08-21 10:44:24

A consultation on proposed amendments to the UK’s producer responsibility regulations is due to be launched in early 2013 in an attempt to achieve alignment and to reduce costs for businesses. The review will encompass the four PR regulations currently in place – covering packaging, end-of-life vehicle, WEEE and batteries. DEFRA has now published a list of potential measures ahead of a consultation early next year. A spokesperson from Defra’s Producer Responsibility Unit said: “Over the next few weeks, we will start working up policy proposals and options which aim to address various issues and ideas and are aiming to launch consultations on any proposed amendments to the Regulations in early 2013.”

21.08.12

IPR report favours WEEE recycling design incentive

2012-08-17 08:19:41

A working group, originally set up by BIS, is recommending incentives for Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) for WEEE. The IPR working group has recommended that BIS consider a system that favours producers who manufacture products that are easy to recycle. The report WEEE Regulations Individual Producer Responsibility in a UK Context is in line with the argument that an Individual Producer Responsibility approach - where producers are responsible for financing or treating their own products when they become waste - would encourage producers to design products that are easier to recycle. The current system in the UK sees producers of B2C products collectively responsible for the cost of collecting and treating WEEE that is collected for recycling, with each producer required to finance the treatment of WEEE equivalent to their share of the market. Critics say that by using this system, manufacturers are unlikely to see the financial benefit of designing products that are easy to recycle. The preferred option put forward in the report is to implement a design for recycling and reuse (DfRR) weighting mechanism, which would see a producer’s obligated WEEE collection tonnage increased or decreased based on the cost of treatment and characteristics of products that it places on the market. David Burton, Project Director of B2B Compliance,welcomed the report “IPR is a challenging concept when, largely, the system is geared up for high volume and only some sectors, such as IT, lend themselves more easily to an ‘asset management’ approach. In addition, the favouring of a ‘return share’ system giving producers the option to operate their own direct take back activities for household WEEE, could allow greater flexibility for sectors or individual producers that wish to take this approach as long as there are safeguards to ensure that the proper collection and recycling takes place”. A BIS spokesman responded to the report “BIS welcomes the IPR report - its content and recommendations will form part of our wider evidence base that will lead to development of proposals for revised WEEE regulations effective from 2014.”

17.08.12

New EA Guidance on display recycling available

2012-08-15 09:41:07

The Environment Agency has recently published internal guidance on the storage and treatment of flat panel displays (Storage and Treatment of Flat Panel Displays - A quick guide). While it is an internal document it is useful for recyclers (AATFs) in order for them to work towards conforming to the requirements which would be viewed as Best Available Treatment, Recovery and Recycling Techniques. The guidance, which covers storage and handling, treatment and descriptions of LCD, LED and PLASMA display equipment bring more stringent environmental controls to a sector which is attempting to develop the technology to treat such materials while, for example, the EA view that only manual treatment of LCDs is acceptable.

15.08.12

B2B Compliance questions EA Guidance on WEEE

2012-08-13 08:35:39

Carl Kruger, Project Director of B2B Compliance questions the Environment Agency guidance on when equipment is viewed as waste. “The Guidance, issued in March of this year, clearly states that a householder who donates an item, that doesn’t work but is not obviously beyond repair, to a charity or community refurbishment workshop, then that item is not WEEE – the inference being that such refurbishment activities cannot, therefore, be financially supported under Producer Responsibility. The implication of this is that a sector that could create jobs, protect the environment, generate income and supply low cost goods to low income families is being denied financial support and yet, if the householder in question drives past the community store and takes the item to the local authority recycling centre, the Producer is then obliged to pay for recycling! The second issue is that, as these items donated to refurbishers are not being recorded as WEEE, the tonnages will not be counted towards the new targets – unless, of course, the refurbisher goes down to the local authority recycling centre and ‘rescues’ the WEEE in order to refurbish it”.

13.08.12

WEEE Focus on Africa

2012-08-08 13:02:29

WEEE generation in Africa is potentially set to exceed that of Europe by 2017 due to population growth and access to electrical and electronic products. David Burton, Project Director at B2B Compliance and an old ‘Africa hand’ commented “The current WEEE situation in Africa is very different from Europe in that about 20% of the African population cannot afford new products and while high collection rates of domestic WEEE are achieved it is part of an informal commercial economy where the treatment infrastructure is very crude with little environmental or H&S controls – although efforts are now being made by OEMs to support well managed recycling facilities. We have a strange anomaly that EU legislation, quite rightly, prevents the export of WEEE to Africa yet allows the export of EEE or Used EEE which, at the end of life, ends up in the same informal waste infrastructure that any exported WEEE would have. Perhaps we in the ‘developed’ countries need to support the, so-called, less developed countries in ensuring efficient and safe waste management infrastructures which would then allow WEEE to go to treatment facilities which could focus on re-use - an option which is difficult to achieve in Europe because of high labour costs and less demand for secondhand products. Here in the UK there is an understandable focus on volume industrial scale recycling of WEEE into material streams whereas, under the right economic and market conditions, there would be enormous employment and environmental benefits to re-use – but these economic and market conditions exist in Africa- not Europe. Perhaps the proposal within the WEEE Directive for the consideration of a re-use target may be the stimulus for this support for African nations”.

08.08.12

WEEE Scheme Forum responds to BIS proposals

2012-08-06 14:40:41

The WEEE Scheme Forum, which represents that vast majority of Producer obligations in the UK, has responded to recent proposals published by BIS relating to a number of interim measures that BIS are minded to enact before the new WEEE Regulations come into force in 2014.
In particular the forum welcomes the changes to end of year balancing to the nearest tonne as, in the past, significant resources and time were spent finding a home for, or locating, a few kilos of WEEE in order to balance the exact figures. The forum also welcomed the future publication of legal actions by the Environment Agency and called for this to be extended beyond Compliance Schemes but to embrace all stakeholders. The forum did feel, however, that proposed changes to the Viable Plan process should not take place and that proposed transparency measures for local authorities could be confusing – although views varied within the forum itself.

06.08.12

PCS jostle for local authority control

2012-08-02 08:21:34

There are 38 competing Producer Compliance Schemes (PCS) operating under the WEEE regulations – almost as many as the whole of the rest of Europe. David Burton, Project Director of B2B Compliance, gives his views on recent BIS data relating to local authority collections. “With many local authority waste arrangements now under long term PFI contracts it was clear years ago, to anyone with knowledge of the sectors involved, that there would be a conflict between those who ‘own’ WEEE and Producer Compliance Schemes who need evidence of its collection and recycling to meet targets. Where Producer Compliance Schemes are owned by, or allied to, waste management companies there is a multi-million pound trading market in supplying evidence to other Compliance Schemes which are ‘Producer’ owned. There is, however, little attraction for local authorities to change, ostensibly, zero value contracts from one compliance scheme to another if, indeed, they have the power to do so on the basis they haven’t privatised their waste disposal. So we are now seeing various schemes fighting for control of a diminishing number of true local authority contracts or paying the commercial price to ally themselves with commercial waste contractors. The strategy of B2B Compliance, in supporting innovative collections outside of the ‘local authority’ system means that we have consistently been able to provide best value compliance for our members and have strategically positioned ourselves to protect their interests into the future”.

02.08.12

ERA Conference 2012

2012-08-01 08:01:53

ERA’s annual conference, now its fourteenth year, is planned for 14th-15th November and will attract delegates from a broad range of professions involved in compliance, design, quality assurance and the production and distribution of electrical and electronic equipment.

The event promises to be stimulating, targeting hot topics from the introduction of RoHS2 and future amendments to the REACH regulation to the potential impacts of the new WEEE directive. This conference is the best event of its kind to interact and interface with leading organisations at the forefront of the electrical and electronic sector – booking details will shortly be available.

01.08.12

PAS 141 Reuse standard

2012-07-30 14:52:32

PAS 141 the new standard which aims to increase re-use and reduce illegal exporting of WEEE will come into operation this Autumn. The standard will set out the requirements for the preparation of equipment for re-use to ensure that repaired products are of the highest quality. It is hoped consumer confidence in purchasing re-use equipment will increase, reassured by the standard that the equipment they are purchasing is functionally fit and safe to use. Items will be labelled accordingly to help identify equipment that has been processed through the PAS 141 standard. By differentiating the equipment that is PAS 141 marked against equipment that has not passed through the standard, it is hoped equipment sent for illegal export will be easier to identify.

30.07.12

WEEE Recast Directive officially published 24th July 2012

2012-07-26 15:55:57

With the long awaited publication of the WEEE Recast Directive on 24th July 2012 in the EU’s Official Journal, WEEE Producers, Schemes, local authorities and AATFs now have a clearer idea of the time-frames and requirements that will be placed on them. The transposition rules state that the UK must create its own Regulations to implement the Directive within 18 months of the publication date in the Official Journal. This therefore confirms the start date to be January 2014 – the commencement of the 2014 Compliance Year. BIS has already announced some interim measures under its “Red Tape Challenge” response and these have effectively triggered the commencement of the consultation process. However, BIS now has the power to shorten such consultations where it deems it appropriate, so while the current news is that consultations will continue to be carried out in the front half of 2013, this could changed or shortened.

26.07.12

EA upping its game re WEEE Scheme prosecutions

2012-07-25 14:50:12

No sooner than the ink was dry on BIS’s response to the Red Tape Challenge (see earlier article) where the EA is to list prosecutions, the EA has taken a Compliance Scheme, WEEE Light, to court over a non-compliance dating back to 2010. While WEEE Light is challenging this, stating it is a technical issue, this demonstrates that the EA is increasing pressure on schemes. Whether this will hit smaller schemes most, because of their lesser resource from fewer members, or the larger schemes as they have more complex details to comply with, remains to be seen. All schemes are likely to be reviewing their procedures with even more care henceforth.

BIS: WEEE Red Tape Challenge Response

2012-07-25 14:48:37

BIS announced that its findings following the Red Tape Challenge on WEEE would result in a range of responses:

• No change when determining relevant year for WEEE figures

• Local Authorities required to consider Schemes’ existing access to WEEE when granting new contracts

• Viable plans de-linked from total control by Environment Agency

• Weights reported by schemes under the viable plans to be submitted accurate to the nearest tonne not to the nearest kilogramme as previously required

• Environment Agency enforcement action to be more transparent

• Ongoing review of registration fees for small producers

• Ongoing consideration of how arbitration in cases of high pricing could assist solutions

Now up to industry to comment and further reaction is expected soon. 24.07.12

Update on Eco Design Directive

2012-07-24 14:06:40

Orgalime, a federation of European Trade Associations, has recently published an update giving an Overview on the status of implementation of the Eco Design Directive 2009/125/EC. This listing covers 31 Lots, including UPS, pumps and motor systems. Any interested party can register as a stakeholder to the Working Groups listed and thereby ensure consultation through the ‘study phase’. The overview can be viewed by following the link below;

Overview on status of Implementation of Eco Design Directive 2009/125/EC

24.07.12

Government proposes cuts to consultation periods

2012-07-20 08:18:44

Government consultations periods, including those related to the forthcoming WEEE regulations could be dramatically shortened under plans announced by the Cabinet Office this week. At present, government consultations run for a minimum of 12 weeks, with extensions given where ‘feasible and sensible’. The measures, which are proposed to come in from Autumn this year, could see consultation on the new WEEE Regulations slashed – increasingly seen as necessary if BIS is to bring the new regulations into force by January 2014.

20.07.12

B2B Compliance advises Members on India

2012-07-18 09:03:08

Following the recent Introduction of the Indian E Waste (Management and Handling) Rules B2B Compliance has expressed concern about attempts to recruit and register UK Producers in India. Project Director, Carl Kruger, commented “ India, along with a number of other countries, is introducing its own WEEE legislation and has developed similar legislation to the EU WEEE Directive. This, of course, only applies to companies that have a legal entity in India and there is no requirement for UK Producers to register. There is, however, a danger of UK Producers being misled by a recruitment campaign by a UK Compliance scheme and we recommend our members to contact us for our professional advice”.

18.07.12

Retailers face additional duties under new regulations

2012-07-16 08:18:56

The forthcoming UK WEEE Regulations, when transposing the Recast Directive (which places duties on Member States) will require that retailers with sales areas relating to EEE of at least 400 m2 must take back any small item of WEEE in-store at no charge to the consumer and without an obligation to buy anything new. That is unless an assessment shows that alternative existing collection schemes are likely to be at least as effective and such assessments shall be available to the public.
Clare Ireland, Compliance Manager, responded “ Until it is clear how ‘alternative collection schemes’ are to be assessed we don’t see retailers rushing to establish take-back of small WEEE unless, of course, market strategies begin to determine their positioning on the issue. Major retailers already have extensive collection systems in operation linked to home deliveries and I’m certain they will easily cater for this additional requirement”.

16.07.12

Key findings of the Energy Using Products Study

2012-07-12 12:29:14

A recent study funded by DEFRA, DECC and the Energy Savings Trust, across 251 households, showed that:

• Domestic standby consumption is higher than previously estimated (9-16% not 5-10%)

• Refrigeration is the single biggest product energy user

• Single-person households use as much energy as families

• On average more than 6 hours of TV a day are watched (currently model 5 hours)

• Test households use 10% more than national average despite being ‘greener’

A summary report ‘Powering the Nation’ is available on the Energy Saving Trust’s website;

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/About-us/Our-recent-work

12.07.12

Producer Responsibility Review

2012-07-10 08:10:28

The Environment Agency is carrying out a review of all Producer Responsibility legislation in order to improve “coherence” across their various regulatory regimes with an aim of reducing the regulatory burden and, potentially, compliance costs. The Agency is currently developing its consultation document and initial impact assessment, before submitting to ministers, with a view to opening consultation in late 2012 or early 2013. It is thought that the consultation will, potentially, coincide with the BIS consultation on the new WEEE Regulations which look likely to become into force for the compliance period 2014.

10.07.12

Minimum requirements for shipments of used EEE

2012-07-06 08:25:57

Following a number of cases of illegal shipments of WEEE the Recast Directive introduces new requirements for export of used EEE to identify that it is clearly not WEEE. Project Director of B2B Compliance, Carl Kruger, commented “ We hope this will introduce clear rules into the UK Regulations whereas to date there have been grey areas which have, so far, depended upon Environment Agency officer interpretation and non-statutory guidance and we would encourage those involved in export of used EEE to work to the BSI standard PAS 141 as part of their preparation for the new regulations”.

06.07.12

B2B Compliance plans Webinars and Seminars

2012-07-04 08:54:39

B2B Compliance has confirmed that it is planning a series of webinars and seminars following the adoption of the Recast WEEE Directive, Compliance Manager Clare Ireland commented “While the transposition clock doesn’t start ticking until publication in the OJEC we are planning a series of webinars and seminars for obligated Producers, both members and non-members of B2B Compliance. One of our members claims (see ‘Testimonials’) that we have an uncanny ability to know what’s likely to happen next on WEEE, enabling our members to stay ahead of the game, and we intend to meet this expectation time and again as the challenges of the Recast approach”. Webinar and seminar dates will shortly be advised.

05.07.12

B2B Compliance to address ERA Conference

2012-07-03 09:29:38

B2B Compliance has been invited to address the forthcoming ERA Conference Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the Environment 2012 taking place on the 14-15th November 2012. David Burton, Project Director at B2B Compliance responded “This is an excellent opportunity for Producers to understand the potential impacts of the new UK regulations arising from the Recast WEEE Directive and, in particular, the challenges to the B-to-B sector. This invitation by ERA reflects the high esteem that B2B Compliance has in the electrical and electronics industry where our role, in protecting the interests of Producers, has made us one the UK’s leading compliance providers”. Please see

http://www.era.co.uk/event/events/

03.07.12

WEEE Scheme Forum prepares Evidence

2012-07-02 08:25:06

Following the Call for Evidence by BIS on 21st June members of the WEEE Scheme Forum, representing over 90% of the UK’s EEE industry members, have agreed to prepare data to be consolidated and submitted through an independent third party. This response follows concern that commercially sensitive information could otherwise be made available by BIS through any Freedom of Information request. The objective of the exercise is to identify the true costs related to the collection and recycling of ‘B2C’ WEEE, rather than that of ‘B2B WEEE’ where concern has been raised that prices are higher than in the rest of Europe and have not reflected any offsets gained through higher scrap prices. Please see

http://www.bis.gov.uk/Consultations/waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-call-for-evidence?cat=open

02.07.12

B2B Compliance contracts with MRF

2012-06-28 08:27:41

B2B Compliance has announced a major contract with one of the UK’s largest material recovery facilities. As local authorities seek to recover more recyclables direct from household collections, and the WEEE Recast sets stringent WEEE collection targets, B2B Compliance has established a contract to support the WEEE sorting activities of a major MRF. Project Director, David Burton has extensive experience of household collections, having launched the first UK kerbside collections of recyclables over twenty years ago “Our expertise in this area has been recognised, we know a lot about collection and sorting technologies, and this new source of WEEE will be vital to support our objective of success under the forthcoming new regulations”.

28.6.12

BFBI supports B2B Compliance

2012-06-27 08:42:56

The Brewing, Food and Beverage Industry has announced its support for the B2B Compliance WEEE Compliance Scheme – joining twelve other trade associations who state their support for the ethos and professional standards of the Scheme. Project Director, Carl Kruger, welcomed BFBI on board “ It is clear that Trade Associations appreciate the specialist role that we play in seeking to protect the interests of industry and not to profit from the handling of waste. As a foremost provider to the business sector of legal WEEE compliance in the UK, we welcome the support of BFBI in seeking to provide best value solutions to their members”.

27.6.12

B2B Compliance launches small retailer collections

2012-06-26 08:16:49

In anticipation of increased collection targets B2B Compliance has announced an initiative to support collections of WEEE from small retailers. Compliance Manager, Clare Ireland, stated “The collections, which take place under Regulation 32, place us in a stronger position for meeting our current B2C WEEE tonnage obligation and will go towards offsetting the forthcoming higher collection targets”. While BIS has not yet confirmed how targets will be applied to the B-to-B sector under the new regulations the move is seen as greater positioning to protect B2B Compliance Members.

26.6.12

EC adopts WEEE Recast Directive

2012-06-25 09:26:27

With the Recast receiving formal approval from the Council of Ministers, the Directive will become law once it is published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. The clock then starts ticking and Member States will then have 18 months to transpose into their national legislation. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is expected to introduce new legislation in 2013, potentially to come into force on 1.1.14, to incorporate the new requirements which include a significant increase in collection targets.

08.06.12

WEEE Scheme Forum meeting with BIS and EA

2012-06-25 08:24:41

Members of the WEEE Scheme Forum, representing over 90% of UK Producer compliance scheme members, recently met with BIS and the Environment Agency to explore improvements that can be made within the current WEEE Regulations. The EA intimated greater flexibility to remove some of the bureaucratic detailed activity and submissions from schemes and BIS has made a number of proposals to address a number of cost concerns. While the intention is to introduce these for 2013 both bodies are conscious that new regulations, emanating from the Recast WEEE Directive, will come into force in January 2014.

25.06.12

BIS Call for Evidence

2012-06-21 08:24:22

BIS Call for Evidence

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, as part of the Government’s Red Tape Challenge, is seeking information from Producers, Recyclers and Producer Compliance Schemes about the cost of collection and recycling of household WEEE in response to concerns raised that the costs in the UK are higher than those in Europe. Further information at

http://www.bis.gov.uk/Consultations/waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-call-for-evidence?cat=open

21.06.12

WEEE Directive adopted by European Council

2012-06-18 14:28:46

The long awaited WEEE recast has now been formally adopted by the European Council. Once written into EU law, Member states will then have 18 months to update national legislation. In the UK it is expected BIS (The Department for Business, innovation and Skills) will introduce the new legislation at the end of 2013.

The re-cast will see a widening of scope to include items such as photovoltaic panels and will also set new targets for recycling above the current 4kg per person. From 2016 targets will be set as 45 tonnes of WEEE to be collected for every 100 tonnes put onto the market in the three preceding years, this will rise further in 2019. Other changes include tougher restrictions on the export of WEEE and greater producer responsibility on the design and production of Electrical equipment.

B2B Compliance responds to low B2B WEEE collection rates

2012-03-08 09:53:56

David Burton, Project Director of Producer Compliance Scheme B2B Compliance, has responded to the current debate about the ‘low’ collection rates of B-to-B WEEE following release of the latest collection statistics for the UK.

David stated “Let’s be clear, there’s 100% collection of waste electronic and electrical equipment in the UK – the issue is where it goes, what happens to it, and if it’s recorded under the WEEE regulations or not. At B2B Compliance we are currently engaged in carrying out significant research on the B-to-B sector and it is abundantly clear that much used electrical and electronic equipment is either collected for refurbishment and reuse as working appliances or are stripped for spares so significantly that the remaining waste can no longer be deemed as WEEE. Without recognising the reality of the situation on the ground, before any consultation around the new regulations, we could end up with totally inappropriate legislation and unachievable targets for the non-household sector – we do need a reality check”.

The Scheme has held a number of discussions with BIS and intends to ensure that the B-to-B sector is well represented in its views when the consultation on the new WEEE regulations appear later in the year.

08.03.2012

Re-cast of the WEEE Directive

2012-02-07 15:43:45

On 19th January the European Parliament voted on the text of the forthcoming Recast WEEE Directive, the changes to the existing Directive being enshrined in EU law once approved by the European Council. The changes include the adoption of staged collection targets for WEEE and a widening of scope.

Once approved, EU member states will then have 18 months to implement the changes and update their national legislation.

For further information please visit;

http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/weee/europe-set-for-higher-weee-recycling-targets

A new Specification - PAS 141

2011-06-03 09:02:56

Perfectly timed in relation to the plethora of illegal exports is the introduction of a new specification called PAS 141. This standard has been launched to make it easier to identify whether used electrical equipment is definitely fit for reuse in the UK and also therefore can legally be sent overseas. The specification, formally titled the ‘PAS 141: 2011 Reuse of used and waste electrical and electronic equipment (UEEE and WEEE)’, has been published by the British Standards Institution (BSI), on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). It is expected to encourage the growth of the reuse sector by giving the potential purchasers of reuse electrical and electronic equipment (REEE) confidence that it has met standards in areas such as safety and guarantees of functionality. It also aims to assure electronics manufacturers that the placing of products on the market for reuse will not adversely affect their brands or reputations for safety and quality.

Under the PAS 141, anyone involved in WEEE reuse will be expected to meet requirements for testing and inspecting equipment, as well as tracking equipment through the process of preparing it for reuse and recording the tests carried out – both for reuse in the UK and overseas.

Illegal Export of WEEE - update

2011-02-15 10:04:01

A trial date has been set for 8 men involved in the illegal export of WEEE from the UK to Nigeria. It’s the latest stage of an investigation which commenced in August 2008. The hearing is to take place on the 11th March. The Agency has said with reference to the case: "The law is clear that broken electricals, including everyday items such as mobiles, smart phones, laptops and TVs, cannot be sent overseas for disposal. As well as precious metals such as gold, copper and aluminium, electrical waste can contain hazardous substances including mercury and lead that are harmful to people and the environment." At the hearing, a further three men present in the court were told to return to Havering Magistrates Court on February 23 under an ‘old style' committal procedure. This involves court papers being read out and the court deciding whether there is a case to answer at trial.

New Director of Gambica B2B Compliance

2011-01-16 10:05:05

Following the retirement of Geoff Young as Chief Executive of GAMBICA and Director of B2B Compliance we welcome Dr Graeme Philp, the new Chief executive of GAMBICA as a new Director of the B2B Compliance Scheme. Graeme thanked Geoff “for all the work that he had put in over the years to oversee the creation, development and operation of the Scheme since its inception in 2004 and which has delivered a Scheme focused upon legal compliance and professional support to its Members”. Graeme has a wealth of experience in industry, as Chief Executive of MTL Instrument Group PLC for over 17 years; he managed the handover of the company in early 2008 to Cooper Industries. Upon leaving the company in 2009, Graeme has since been working as an independent consultant helping small companies to grow their international business. He is, therefore, no stranger to the pressures and concerns Producers face and his expertise will be invaluable in the continued success of B2B Compliance.

2009 Declaration of Compliance - B2B Compliance Approval

2010-07-27 14:35:57

B2B Compliance is pleased to announce that the scheme Declaration of Compliance for the 2009 Compliance period has been approved. The Declaration confirms that B2B Compliance has met its legal obligations under the WEEE Regulations for 2009. B2B Compliance has worked diligently on behalf of Members to ensure compliance and will continue to do so for 2010 onwards.

Mark Prisk named as new “WEEE Minister”

2010-06-04 03:51:03

Mark Prisk has been confirmed as the minister with responsibility for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS). The news came after the coalition Government announced that the department will have to find £836 million of savings in 2010/11, as part of wider plans to cut the national deficit.

Mark Prisk is the Conservative MP for Hertford and Stortford and has been given a portfolio which covers several business sectors including WEEE. Mr Prisk will work under Liberal Democrat Vince Cable, who was appointed secretary of state for business on 12th May. Mr Prisk's WEEE-related priorities in his first few months in the post are likely to include overseeing the UK's role in European negotiations over the recast of the WEEE Directive - a process that could see Producers facing, for the first time, collection targets for non-household WEEE.

Illegal Export of WEEE

2010-03-19 22:40:43

The illegal export of waste continues to gain media attention, a report that was particularly interesting was run on a BBC programme called ‘Inside Out’ aired in the London Area but relevant to the whole of the UK. Reporter Mark Jordan, tracked the transfer of broken or waste electrical goods passed off as fit-for-purpose which is then sold in countries such as Ghana and Nigeria. Please follow the link below to view a condensed version of the report which shows the effects that the illegally exported WEEE has on the environment and society.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rdxqp#synopsis

The article highlights the need for final users of WEEE to take responsibility and ensure that when they arrange the collection and recycling of WEEE they use reputable companies who hold the correct licenses to handle waste electrical electronic equipment. In a statement issued by the EA this week, Adrian Harding reported that there are major investigations that are on going into the illegal export of WEEE. Awareness of the need for companies to be vigilant as to who they are giving their WEEE to has been emphasised by the EA particularly focusing on the IT and Telecommunications sector.

Companies shouldn’t just rely on assurances from disposal companies but ask for the process to be audited with proof of where the kit will eventually go, said Harding. “There are plenty of commercial and not for profit organisations that can deal with IT equipment legally and responsibly. Using these gives you peace of mind and helps to turn off the supply to the organised criminals involved in the illegal export of waste,” he said.

We can reassure that all operators used by B2B Compliance have been audited and their systems and policies scrutinized to ensure that they operate responsibly and as per the WEEE legislation.

B2B Compliance now welcoming household-focused Producers

2010-02-26 15:37:11

Responding to strong demand from Producers supplying household electrical and electronic (EEE) products, B2B Compliance is now welcoming producers focused on the consumer sector, to the WEEE Compliance Scheme.

B2B Compliance is a scheme approved to meet the obligations of both producers who sell EEE into the business sector and the consumer sector. Its main objective has been to meet the obligations of business-focused producers with a small consumer obligation. B2B Compliance is keen to express, that they also have the ability, resources, expertise and position to offer their services to companies whose core sales, or only sales, are into the consumer sector.

The WEEE compliance marketplace is now showing signs of maturity, B2B Compliance solidly holding over 480 members and the support of 13 Trade Associations.

David Burton, Project Director of B2B Compliance commented that “the support of both producers and trade associations demonstrates that B2B Compliance is a leader in the WEEE Compliance market place, this is why it is important the scheme now openly welcomes consumer producers to enable them to access the high level of service available”. This announcement is made following the successful re approval application of B2B Compliance.