Common questions about WEEE and legal requirements
WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices that require a plug or battery, such as computers, keyboards, printers, lamps, televisions, refrigerators, and mobile phones.
The WEEE Directive is a set of regulations in the UK and the EU designed to ensure the responsible collection, recycling, and disposal of such waste, reducing environmental harm and promoting resource recovery.
Businesses in the UK have a legal obligation to dispose of electronic waste properly.
Compliance with WEEE regulations ensures that companies:
Avoid fines and penalties for improper disposal.
Reduce their environmental impact by ensuring materials are recycled and hazardous substances are handled safely.
Improve corporate social responsibility and sustainability credentials.
Contribute to the circular economy by reusing valuable resources.
The business owner or designated waste manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with WEEE regulations. This includes arranging proper disposal, keeping records, and working with authorised recycling schemes or waste carriers.
Businesses must use a licensed waste carrier or approved WEEE recycling facility to dispose of electronic waste. Some manufacturers and suppliers also offer take-back schemes for old equipment.
Simpler Recycling is a UK government initiative to standardise waste recycling.
From 31st March 2025, businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees will be required to separate key recyclable materials, such as paper, glass, metal, and food waste, to improve recycling rates and reduce landfill waste.
Currently, Simpler Recycling does not include WEEE, but this is likely to change as legal requirements evolve over time.Â
Having a dedicated WEEE recycling bin is an excellent way to future-proof your business .
Common questions about SimplerWEEE
All you need to do is pick which type and size of WEEE bin you want for your business, and pay the associated monthly fee to “Service” it.
We then deliver the bin to your business location, which you can fill at your leisure.
Once the bin is full, scan the QR code on its side and fill out the form to arrange an exchange.
Our team will come and take the WEEE away, providing you with the necessary documentation to prove compliance.
Our hassle-free solution makes it easier for your business to recycle electrical waste.
Instead of having to find recycling solutions on an ad hoc basis, you can fill up your WEEE bin as needed, then have our licensed professionals come to you to remove it.
Our service also allows you to get ahead of compliance requirements, future-proofing your business.
The size of WEEE recycling bin your business needs will depend on factors such as the size of your company and the amount of waste electricals you generate on average.
For example, a small office of 10 people will require a smaller WEEE bin than a warehouse with 100 employees.
Our smallest bin is 25L, while our largest is 120L, with several options in between.Â
If you would like guidance in choosing the right size for your business needs, contact our team.
The cost you pay per month for your SimplerWEEE recycling bin depends on the size and style you choose. Prices start from £8 per month for a cardboard bin, and go up to £114.95 for a slick, professional design.
Visit our WEEE bin page to see our full range of options and the associated prices.
Your SimplerWEEE bin will have a QR code stuck to the side.
When the bin is full, scan the code with your smartphone. This will take you to a webpage with a short form.Â
Simply fill in your details and one of our team will come and collect your WEEE at a time that suits you.Â
Please note that our minimum annual collection is twice per year.
If you’ve reached your annual exchange limit, you have two options. When you submit your collection request, our team will notify you that you’ve exceeded your limit. You can then either upgrade your subscription to increase your yearly collections, which will increase your monthly cost, or pay a one-time collection fee of £130.00 + VAT. This fee will be processed as a separate payment outside your standard subscription.
If you have extra waste outside your WEEE bin, you can scan the QR code on the bin to access this service. You’ll be prompted to provide details about the additional waste, which will be sent to our service team. They will then provide a separate cost and collection service, outside your
standard subscription.
For devices with sensitive data, such as laptops, phones, or tablets, we offer a secure destruction service outside your standard subscription.
When you scan the QR code on the bin, you’ll see an option to arrange a collection for secure waste. Our service team will provide a separate cost and collection service, outside your standard subscription.
If your bin is damaged, broken, or lost, we can replace it. Please contact our Service Team by emailing [email protected], and they will arrange a replacement. The cost is £95.00 + VAT, including delivery, and will be charged outside your standard subscription.
Our contracts are set to auto-renew at the end of each term to ensure uninterrupted service. Before renewal, we’ll send a reminder with options to modify, upgrade, or cancel your subscription. If no action is taken, the contract will automatically renew under the same terms. You can opt out of auto-renewal by providing written notice within the notice period specified in your agreement.
Once your waste is returned to our site, our team sorts the equipment into its raw materials. After this process, the materials are sent to certified facilities for smelting and shredding, preparing them to be repurposed into new equipment.
