The forthcoming UK WEEE Regulations, when transposing the Recast Directive (which places duties on Member States) will require that retailers with sales areas relating to EEE of at least 400 m2 must take back any small item of WEEE in-store at no charge to the consumer and without an obligation to buy anything new. That is unless an assessment shows that alternative existing collection schemes are likely to be at least as effective and such assessments shall be available to the public.
Clare Ireland, Compliance Manager, responded “ Until it is clear how ‘alternative collection schemes’ are to be assessed we don’t see retailers rushing to establish take-back of small WEEE unless, of course, market strategies begin to determine their positioning on the issue. Major retailers already have extensive collection systems in operation linked to home deliveries and I’m certain they will easily cater for this additional requirement”.