Big names commit to WEEE retail compliance scheme

Valpak revealed that companies including John Lewis, Dixons, Comet, Tesco and Woolworths have signed up to the retail compliance scheme, which it is running on behalf of the British Retail Consortium.

” Despite continuing delays in implementing the WEEE Directive, this legislation will become UK law soon.“
– Steve Gough, Valpak
The retail compliance scheme will help companies selling electronic equipment to meet the collection requirements under new legislation stemming from Europe's WEEE Directive.

Under the Directive, retailers are to provide in-store take-back for consumers to hand in old electronic goods when buying new products. The retail compliance scheme offers an alternative mechanism for compliance, establishing collection points for consumers to hand in old equipment.

Although experts believe producer and retailer responsibility for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) may not take effect now until 2007, Valpak said retailers have provided 80,000 in fees to continue the compliance scheme's preparation work.

Valpak's task in running the retail compliance scheme is to fund an “adequate collection network” for electronic waste. It will do this by funding upgrades of local authority civic amenity sites to act as designated collection points.

Steve Gough, Valpak chief executive said: “Despite continuing delays in implementing the WEEE Directive, this legislation will become UK law soon and Valpak is totally committed to moving forwards with our plans for the Retail Compliance Scheme.”

Companies
Other companies that have already signed up include the Acadia Group, Argos, B&Q;, Boots, DSG International, Homebase, House of Fraser, MFI, Morrisons, Next, Somerfield, the Co-operative Group, and Wickes Building Supplies.

DTI official Sue McDonald said: “DTI is pleased to see that many leading retailers are taking the very positive step of expressing their interest in the retail compliance scheme and hopes that other businesses will follow suite in making their operations WEEE-ready.”

Valpak is also in discussions with a number of trade associations in order to offer a compliance solution for small retailers. The Radio Electrical and Television Retailers Association, British Hardware Federation and the Federation of Small Business have all been contacted.