As an internet seller of imported new electrical products intended for use by private households UKET attract an obligation under the UK WEEE regulations to encourage the safe disposal of any electrical product you purchase from us.

Did you know, in one year the amount of electrical waste we create in the UK would fill the new Wembley Stadium 6 times!

The amount of electrical waste we throw away is increasing by around 5% each year, making it the fastest growing waste stream in the UK.

Each year in the UK we throw away over 1.2 million tonnes of electrical and electronic waste. That is the equivalent of 150 thousand double decker buses! Over 75% of waste electrical goods end up in landfill, where lead and other toxins contained in the electrical goods can cause soil and water contamination.

This can have a very harmful effect on natural habitat, wildlife and also human health. When situated near populated areas these toxins can cause problems to communities as their water and soil is polluted. Many of the electrical items that we throw away can be repaired or recycled. Recycling items helps to save natural finite resources and also reduces the environmental and health risks associated with sending waste electrical goods to landfill. To minimise our impact on this earth and to protect the environment for future generations it is important that we are all aware of the consequences of our actions and how we can make a difference.

From mobile phones to computers there are organisations that will reuse and repair your items, some also run "cash for recycling" schemes. Click here to find a list of waste electrical reuse charities and networks.

To make recycling easier, when you take your waste electrical items to a Household Waste and Recycling Centre (tip) they are now separated into the 5 groups below. Click onto each of the groups to find examples of what they include:

• Large household items- washing machines, microwaves
• White goods - fridges/ freezers
• TV's and monitors
• Gas discharge lamps
• All other electrical goods
  

LINKS

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
Formerly the DTI, this website offers further information on the WEEE regulations

Environment Agency

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Environment & Heritage Service Northern Ireland

Envirowise
A government programme dedicated to helping companies become more competitive and more profitable by reducing waste at the source.