Tips for Formulating an E-Waste Recycling Routine

E-waste recycling is an important consideration for a wide array of business, from those that manufacture and sell electronic and electrical items to those that simply use it in the day-to-day running of their firm. Read our guide to find out how to fulfil your duty of care.

Establishing a routine to recycle and manage your e-waste is an essential step to ensure you comply with UK legislation.

Indeed, in 2007 the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) Directive was passed, which gave any companies involved in producing, selling or using such products a duty of care.

The directive's aims include improving the environmental performance of businesses, as well as encouraging people to reuse, recycle and recover such devices as much as possible.

As there are multiple facets to complying with the WEEE Directive, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a recycling partner programme. A firm that offers this service can assess your needs to assist you in establishing a routine that will protect the environment.

What's more, they may be able to collect the waste directly from your company's location, while some firms also offer a data wiping service, ensuring no sensitive information remains on the machines prior to their disposal.

First of all, however, your business and its dedicated corporate recycling partner will need to look at how your WEEE is stored.

For example, you don't want your eco-friendly efforts wasted by poor storage that leads to environmental damage in the local area - so considering where WEEE is kept is essential.

What's more, you need to make sure it is not placed with standard waste and then accidentally disposed of as such.

Looking at it from another perspective, you'll also want to ensure it is situated in a secure place - or your defunct machines, along with the sensitive data they hold, may find their way into the wrong hands.

Next, you need to think about collection, data wiping and, of course, the disposal itself. If you choose a dedicated recycling partner, this becomes simple, as they can handle all these processes for you.

After collecting the items directly from your company, they can then ensure all machines are completely clear of data ahead of recycling.

The WEEE Directive dictates that recycling must be conducted by a licensed waste carrier, so check the company you select has this accreditation.

Alongside actually making sure all these processes are correctly carried out, you will need to produce paperwork to show your duty of care has been fulfilled. Another aspect your waste recycling partner can help you with, full reports of the steps taken are provided by some companies, leaving your business can concentrate on its core objectives.

So, what should you look for in a WEEE recycling partner? Among the key points to check are whether they can offer you full compliance with the WEEE Directive, authorised accreditations, authorised approved treatment facilities and a waste carrier license.

Firms that can provide you with full reporting services, collect your WEEE directly and furnish you with a dedicated account manager will help to make the process as smooth and simple as possible.