We throw away a million tonnes of household electrical and electronic waste every year in the United Kingdom and Ireland. At least as much comes from non-household sources such as offices, factories, schools and hospitals.

Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) plays an ever-increasing role in our daily lives. Our kitchen appliances, mobile phones and computers offer us many benefits during their working lives but when this equipment is thrown away it affects the environment. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK and the EU. Some WEEE contains hazardous substances and parts such as mercury in some switches, lead in solder, and cadmium in batteries. Recycling rates for most types of WEEE (other than large ‘white goods’ such as fridges and washing machines) are very low.

The WEEE Directive aims to minimise the amount of WEEE householders throw out with their general rubbish. By keeping WEEE separate from other waste it can be treated, the hazardous substances can be removed and a large amount of waste can be recycled rather than sent to landfill.
So that you can get your waste electrical goods recycled, Somfy Ltd have contributed towards a national fund to assist local councils to further develop their existing waste electronics collection facilities, which will in turn allow producers of this equipment to meet their obligations.

Not all council sites are suitable to collect all types of waste electrical goods, but to find out your nearest participating site (including other collection facilities that may not be operated by the council) and for advice on all aspects of recycling at home, please visit www.recycle-more.co.uk.