The revised Code of Practice for the collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from designated collection facilities (DCFs) has been released by BIS and has been formally welcomed by REPIC.
Dr Philip Morton, CEO of REPIC, says: "The revised Code of Practice covers all DCFs, providing further clarity on the way that WEEE should be separately collected at DCFs, as well as the relationships that should exist between them and Producer Compliance Schemes (PCSs). We are pleased to see that this new code is very clear, setting out what DCFs and PCSs must do, and equally importantly, what they mustn't do. This can only assist the UK system in increasing WEEE collection rates, and it minimises further the potential for WEEE to leak out of the system through inappropriate routes.
"REPIC seeks direct relationships with local authorities and other DCF operators to ensure that a clear, auditable trail is maintained from the point at which WEEE is deposited at a DCF to its onward treatment, reuse or disposal. If several parties or intermediaries are involved in the recycling chain, the risk of leakage and the illegal export of WEEE can increase. Where there is a direct relationship between those collecting WEEE - a local authority, its appointed waste company or other DCF operator - and a PCS that directly finances the WEEE for its members, the trail is far shorter, which enhances the security of the recycling process. This makes it easier to see where WEEE comes from, where it goes to and who pays for it - helping to achieve the level of transparency, environmental performance and the increased collection rates that the new Code of Practice advocates."