Background
Regulations were published on 6th July 2005 to promote the recovery of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. These regulations cover all Electrical and Electronic Equipment (referred to as EEE), e.g. ranging from televisions to power tools and hair dryers to cookers. All producers, retailers and consumers of EEE are affected by these regulations.
European Communities (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations, 2011
These Regulations came into effect on 5th July 2011 and revoked the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations, 2005. The regulations are designed to promote the recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment. They will facilitate in particular the achievement of the targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner. All producers, retailers and consumers of EEE are affected by these regulations.
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Requirements
WEEE and the Consumer
Consumers can return their WEEE (old appliances, no longer used), without charge, to a Civic Amenity Centre. In Louth, there are two Civic Amenity Centres, and both are operated by V&W Recycling. One is located on the Newry Road in Dundalk (Ph: 042-9329200), while the other is located at Mell, Drogheda (Ph: 041-9803900).
WEEE can be returned to the retailer when buying new electrical goods. This is on a one for one, like for like basis, and the WEEE must be returned within 15 days of purchasing the new product. e.g. when buying a new washing machine you will be entitled to return your old washing machine to the retailer within 15 days of purchase.
If the new product is delivered, then the retailer must provide 24 hours notice to take away the WEEE, or otherwise collect it within 15 days of delivery. Please ensure that all WEEE is clean and disconnected from all utilities prior to collection by the retailer.
Further information on WEEE and the Consumer can be found on the WEEE and the Consumer document.
WEEE and the Retailer
The regulations provide for the costs of WEEE recycling to be displayed for all items, and these costs are known as Environmental Management Costs (EMCs).
All retailers of WEEE must ensure that the EMCs are clearly displayed, separate to the retail price of the product. A list of current EMCs can be found on the WEEE Register Society website, details of which are provided below in the ‘Links’ section.
Retailers are also obliged to take back household WEEE from customers on a one-for-one basis with the sale of a new like product (e.g. fridge for fridge). The WEEE should be returned to the approved collection facility for recycling, ensuring that all WEEE is clean on delivery. In Louth, WEEE can be delivered to V&W Recycling on the Newry Road in Dundalk (Ph: 042-9329200), or at Mell, Drogheda (Ph: 041-9803900).
Retailers of EEE must be registered with their local authority. If you are required by these regulations to be registered and have not yet done so, an application form can be found under the Application Forms sections below. The form can also be used for re-registration, which is required on an annual basis. The completed form must be submitted with a fee of €20 to:
Waste Enforcement Section
Louth County Council
County Hall
Millennium Centre
Dundalk, Co. Louth
Please note that the form can also be used for registration/re-registration under the Batteries regulations
Further information on WEEE and the Retailer can be found on the WEEE and the Retailer document.
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Queries
Waste Enforcement Section
Louth County Council
County Hall
Millennium Centre
Dundalk, Co. Louth
Tel: 042-9324 195 / 9324 101
Email: weee@louthcoco.ie
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Legislation
Waste Management (WEEE) Regulations 2005
European Communities (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations, 2011
WEEE and the Consumer
WEEE and the Retailer
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Links
www.environ.ie - Department of the Environment
www.epa.ie - Environmental Protection Agency
www.weeeregister.ie
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Application Forms
WEEE & Batteries Registration/Re-Registration Form
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