The EA have released the 2021 collection figures for WEEE that has been collected by distributors, which shows an increase of 2% when compared to 2020. In total 146,104 tonnes were collected in 2021, an increase of 3,319 tonnes compared to 2020.
In-store takeback
At the end of 2020, the Distributor Take-back Scheme (DTS) ended for WEEE Distributors, except for online sellers and retailers who sell less than £100,000 worth of electricals. The ending of the DTS has meant larger B2C distributors are now required to offer a free take-back service for their customers instead. DEFRA have suggested an additional 25,000 stores are now required to follow the new takeback requirements.
Although the new take-back scheme had a slow start, with many retailers facing challenges due to lockdowns in quarter one of 2021, the increase suggests it has had a positive effect which we hope will increase further in 2022.
The latest figures show the highest proportion of WEEE collected in-store relates to EEE reported into Category 1 (Large Household Appliances). In 2020, retailers collected 93,026 tonnes of Category 1 WEEE, whereas the 2021 figures show 94,329 tonnes of WEEE were collected.
EA Auditing
The government is following up with all WEEE producers who have B2C distributor requirements, asking for evidence to prove that they offer the takeback service to their customers and how their business meets its obligations.
If you are contacted about this and have any questions, please contact your B2B Compliance account manager who can help support.