WEEE & Lamp Tubes
WM101 has a team of waste management specialists to help clients understand their WEEE obligations and implement an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-conscious WEEE disposal scheme across their organisation.
WEEE Disposal
Electronic and electrical equipment, such as refrigerators, IT devices, and fluorescent lamp tubes, will be replaced by newer, working models at some point in their lifecycles – meaning they will need to be disposed of.
When sent to landfills, toxic substances from WEEE can leach into soil and water, and when incinerated, they release harmful toxins into the air – ultimately damaging the health of people, wildlife, and the environment. WEEE may also contain valuable, non-renewable resources like silver, aluminium, gold, platinum, cobalt, and copper, which could be extracted and recycled.
Consequently, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE Regulations) dictate that all WEEE waste must be diverted from landfills and incineration. Instead, they should be recycled or reused wherever possible, helping to control the exposure of their hazardous substances to the environment.
Our Lamp Tube & WEEE Disposal Services
If your business produces, sells, or is looking to dispose of electrical and electronic equipment, you may be subject to WEEE Regulations. At WM101, we are well-versed in managing WEEE waste and can help you understand your obligations. We can then organise a one-off collection or work with you to implement a regular WEEE disposal scheme.
Through our extensive network of local contractors and facilities, we offer a secure, cost-effective, and responsible nationwide recycling service for all WEEE items – ensuring your organisation is fully compliant with the latest legislation and ideally positioned to achieve your sustainability objectives.
WEEE Regulations 2006
According to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006 (WEEE Regulations), producers (manufacturers, sellers, and distributors) are legally responsible for recovering, recycling, and disposing of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) from people and businesses.
The regulations apply to organisations that hold WEEE operating within a voltage of up to 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC – including battery-powered products and some solar-powered / wind-up products. These fall into the following 10 categories:
- Lighting equipment
- IT & telecoms equipment
- Small household appliances
- Large household appliances
- Electrical & electronic tools
- Medical devices
- Consumer equipment
- Toys, leisure & sports equipment
- Monitoring & control instruments
- Automatic dispensers
This legislation aims to reduce waste production and increase recycling rates by holding producers responsible for WEEE disposal, rather than local authorities or taxpayers.
WEEE Disposal Solutions from WM101
WM101 has close working relationships with specialist waste recycling facilities throughout the UK, ensuring a convenient, prompt, and reliable service wherever you’re based. We can also support cost-effective battery collection schemes – whether you need a one-off collection or to set up a regular, dedicated service for the future.
Why choose WM101 for WEEE disposal?
- Environmentally conscious approach
- Competitive prices
- Flexible, tailored solutions
- Experienced compliance team
- Free consultation & no-obligation quotation
- One-off collection service available
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are not covered by WEEE Regulations?
Regulations for WEEE disposal do not cover filament bulbs (excluding LED), implantable medical devices, large-scale stationary industrial tools, components (e.g., microchips and wires), and more. Speak to us for more guidance.
Are fluorescent tubes covered under WEEE?
As the average fluorescent lamp tube contains around 3.5mg of mercury, they are often classed as hazardous waste. They also come under the WEEE category, “Lighting Equipment”, as straight and compact fluorescent tubes. Most WEEE disposal and recycling facilities will dispose of lamp tubes.
Are fluorescent tubes being banned in the UK?
All T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes, or lamp tubes, have been banned from sale since September 2023. Existing lamp tubes will thus be phased out and need to be recycled at an appropriate WEEE disposal facility.
Get low-cost waste collections for your business
WM101 has a team of specialists ready to help you optimise your waste management. Contact us for your free site visit and quotation today!