Public Servant Lifestyle

Minister urges us to have a WEEE think before your TV ends up in landfill - Wicks calls for more electrical equipment recycling

Christmas may already be a fading memory, but many will be wondering what to do with their old - but in most cases in perfect working order - cathrode-ray tube (CRT) TVs and computer monitors, radios, laptops and fridges. The billions spent annually on new electrical and electronic equipment are making this one of the fastest growing types of waste in Europe.

Recycling these goods and appliances has become easier, through the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, which has seen a UK-wide collection and recycling system put in place. There are now 1,556 collection sites in the UK. When purchasing new goods, consumers should ask retailers how to dispose of their old. Retailers must either provide free in store take-back or point you to a local civic amenity site, who will take it free of charge.

The UK is making good progress, with the latest figures indicating that the average person recycles 7kg of electrical goods a year, well above the EU directive's target of 4kg by 2008.

Fridges To Flat Screens

Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) Minister Malcolm Wicks said: "From fridges to flat screens, many people will have received the latest must have gadgets at Christmas or bought them in the sales - and need to dispose of their old equipment. In fact around two million tonnes of electrical goods are thrown out every year in the UK alone.

"Through the WEEE directive we have built a network to service every household in the UK, with over 1,100 recycling sites open to the public. Now it's up to consumers to play their part - ask your retailer or local authority what service they offer, or simply go to your tip."

DEFRA Minister for Waste and Recycling, Joan Ruddock said: "Unwanted televisions, computers and mobile phones can be put to good use - if they are reused or recycled in the correct way. Individuals and producers can play a vital role in tackling waste, by ensuring that these unwanted goods are disposed of correctly."

In the coming months, the Government will be exploring how to improve the WEEE system, based on experience gathered from around the UK, as well as:

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