Collections, targets and imminent changes to regulations were all in the spotlight at this year’s WEEE Conference, held at Lord’s Cricket Ground last week.
The 2019 WEEE Conference, organised by letsrecycle, was attended by around 100 representatives from the sector, including AATFs, retailers and local authorities, alongside the Environment Agency and Defra. Discussions focused on how the sector can meet the government’s aspirations for higher collections, what the future will look like for the industry and what level of investment is needed for the sector to innovate.
The WEEE industry is facing a great number of challenges, with increasing pressure to achieve higher collection targets, and new rules around the disposal of WEEE containing POPs. The government has committed to reviewing the existing WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) Regulations through its Resources and Waste Strategy, published late last year, and Graeme Vickery, senior policy advisor at Defra, told conference delegates that this review is expected to be outlined in the coming months.
With concerns over the UK’s ability to achieve the current EU collection targets, the report, authored by Eunomia, will look at the effectiveness of the regulations and will invite views from stakeholders, including how the existing regulations can be amended to encourage better designed products.
We were delighted that our WEEE Compliance Scheme Manager, Vikkie Fitzgerald, was invited to appear on the panel for this year’s Big Debate alongside other industry experts, including Matt Manning from Dixons Carphone, Phil Conran of 360 Environmental and Chairman of the AATF Forum, and Chris Chandler, Senior Waste Manager at Devon County Council. Chaired by WEEE fund manager, Scott Butler, the panel were asked for views around retail take back schemes, curb side collections and how the regulations could be improved. Vikkie said of the event: “This year’s conference was not short on topics for discussion and I am pleased to have been invited to play a part in it, representing the role of producer compliance schemes.
“The key to achieving the best outcomes for the environment is collaboration from all parts of the industry, and events such as this, which enable us to share our knowledge and views, help to encourage that approach. It is clear that there are many changes to come for the sector; I am committed to representing the interests of our producers and keeping them up to date as they develop.”
Clarity’s WEEE compliance scheme provides its members with low cost and simple compliance, alongside unrivalled member support. Sign up to our newsletter to recieve regular updates on regulation changes and keep up with the latest industry developments. If you would like to discuss compliance with the WEEE regulations, get in touch with a member of our team at weee@clarityenv.eu or on 0845 129 7177.
