The Q4 WEEE collection data for 2022 was released earlier this month, showing a total of 467,517 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) being collected across 2022.

The target for the year was 511,376 tonnes with the total amount for WEEE collected being 9% under target. This results in the collections target being missed for the sixth consecutive year.

Only three categories met their targets – automatic dispensers, display equipment, and photovoltaic panels. The biggest loss is seen in large household appliances which are 20,000 tonnes under, missing targets by 11%. A comparison of the data reveals that there was 23,969 tonnes less than the same period in 2021, due mainly to the fall in categories one and twelve.

Looking forward

Robbie Staniforth, Policy Director, explained “As has been the case for several years now, the UK missed the collection targets again. Some producers will have to pay the compliance fee to ensure they meet their obligations.

“The system continues to be locked in stasis as the legislative environment is not stimulating greater recycling or reuse levels. The government is a few years late with their consultation on improving the system. The changes they said they would make in their Resources and Waste strategy, back in 2018, are still a long way off.”

We expect the 2023 household WEEE collection targets to be released imminently. If you have any questions, please contact our team.