Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 9
9
The Government must make this mandatory for local authorities, with the cost paid for by...
Recommendation
The Government must make this mandatory for local authorities, with the cost paid for by producers and those smaller retailers or online marketplaces still exempt from collecting E-waste directly from the public. (Paragraph 70) Conclusion
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that the UK has a robust collection infrastructure which makes it easier for householders to dispose of their unwanted electrical equipment. Householders are able to return WEEE free of charge to the local Civic Amenity Site where they are resident, and whilst we are pleased to see high collection rates for larger equipment which is often either deposited here or taken back by retailers, we are well aware that more needs to be done to maximise opportunities for collection of small electrical items which are currently often being lost to the residual waste bin. That’s why in addition to exploring how we can enhance retailer and internet seller take- back obligations; we are also exploring options for rolling out kerbside collections for WEEE. Kerbside collection services already exist in some areas, funded by money raised from the Compliance Fee fund. Research has been commissioned to evaluate the success of these projects and the potential for further roll out across the country. Through extensive stakeholder engagement we are exploring how kerbside collections can be effectively rolled out and how the costs should be apportioned across the various economic operators. We will consult on options for delivering this ambition as part of our review of the WEEE Regulations later this year. It is worth noting that kerbside collection delivered by Local Authorities may not always be the optimum solution. Unwanted items that are returned to retailers or online sellers, rather than deposited at Household Waste Recycling Centres or a waste transfer station will often be handled and stored differently and in a way that increases re-use potential. Therefore, in addition to kerbside collections we will also explore in tandem ways in which we can enhance retailer obligations in order to provide a more diverse range of collection points for consumers. Options as to how we go about this will form part of our consultation later this year.