The WEEE directive at a glance.
What is it?
WEEE is an EU directive to provide for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment, hence its name. It will be funded by a levy on the sales of all new equipment from electric toothbrushes to fridge-freezers and computers.
When does it apply?
From today.
How does it work?
When a customer buys a new item, the retailer is obliged to take back an old item, on a one-for-one basis.
Will it make things more expensive? Unfortunately it seems so. The Government wanted manufacturers or larger retailers to absorb the cost but this now seems unlikely.
How much will it cost?
See above panel. Prices vary from 50 cent for very small items to €40 for large fridges.
If I want to buy new but have nothing to recycle, will I pay less?
No.
How do I know the shop isn't just ripping me off?
There are two approved schemes. One called the WEEE Register and one called European Recycling Platform. Look out for stickers in shops. Your bill should also indicate the recycling charge.
What if I buy Sony and have a different make to recycle? Or if the equipment I want to recycle was bought in a different shop?
It doesn't matter. The rule is one-for-one, radio for radio; fridge for fridge, regardless of where purchased or brand.
Can I recycle an old item even if I am not buying a new one?
Yes. But only at local authority recycling centres where charges have been abolished for householders from today.
What happens the equipment?
The recycling charge ultimately funds the sending of electrical equipment abroad where it is dismantled and parts are reused or recycled.