UK on track to hit WEEE target for first time since 2016

However, some compliance experts have still urged caution because the data has shown signs of the economic challenges currently facing the UK.

Published on Friday (1 September), the data shows that 118,953 tonnes of household WEEE was collected in the second quarter of 2023. This follows on from 120,505 in the first quarter.

Combined, the 239,458 tonnes collected in the first half of the year equates to 50.7% of the overall target for 2023, meaning the UK is on track to hit its target.

In 2022, at this stage of the year the UK was at 46% of its target (see letsrecycle.com story) and 47.5% in 2021 (see letsrecycle.com story).

Caution

While the targets are slightly ahead, compliance schemes explained that while encouraging, the industry should remain cautious.

The data for the material placed on market shows that overall, there was 5% less so far this year compared to 2022. This includes a 26.5% fall in medical devices placed on the market, as well as a 23.7% fall in lighting equipment.

Louise Grantham, chief executive of REPIC, explained that this highlights “the economic challenges currently facing UK households and the impact on consumer spending”, and warned that it could impact collections later in the year.

She explained: “What’s particularly striking is the substantial year-on-year reduction in the amount of EEE placed on the market in specific categories – Display 25%, IT & telecoms 23.7% and electronic tools 18.7% Additionally, the fluctuations in Cooling – 16% lower than the previous year in Q1 but 8% higher in Q2 – 4.6% lower overall. These figures illustrate the dynamic nature of consumer purchasing to external economic conditions.

“We currently have the highest interest rate in 15 years and the inflation rate recently peaked at its highest level for over 40 years, which is undoubtedly affecting UK households’ disposable income and spending habits. As consumers grapple with the impact of rising costs, which is evident in the reduction in the amount of EEE POM compared to last year, this could also affect the level of WEEE collections later in the year.”

Increasing volume

Clément Gaubert, Wastecare’s producer compliance director, explained that the company has been witnessing increasing numbers of household WEEE products undergoing recycling and reuse, including a 2% increase in volume compared to Q2 2022. This “confirms the encouraging volume seen in Q1 (120,505 tonnes),” he said.

Mr Gaubert added: “If we look closely at the data, almost a quarter of the volume collected came from high street retailers – This is a lower number than Q1 2023 and 2022 and slightly disappointing considering the information campaign Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) launched earlier in the year to remind retailers of their takeback obligations.”

If collection volumes maintain this trend for the rest of the year, Mr Gaubert is confident “national collection targets could be met for the first time since 2017.”