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Illegal Export of WEEE

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.