Retailers & Distributors

The UK WEEE Regulations place takeback obligations on retailers and other distributors who sell electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

A retailer selling EEE to the public will have to ensure that their customers can return their WEEE in store, free of charge when purchasing a similar item or an item for similar use as their old equipment.

Private householders should be able (but not compelled) to return their WEEE to retailers who offer in-store takeback. Retailers may set up alternative collection systems as long as they are still convenient for customers.

The WEEE Regulations also allow a Distributor Takeback Scheme to be created, which offers an alternative to in-store take back for retailers and other distributors who join. Valpak Retail WEEE Services external link has been appointed by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) to operate the UK Distributor Takeback Scheme.  Retailers and other distributors that join will be required to contribute to a fund that will pay local authorities to upgrade civic amenity sites put forward as Designated Collection Facilities. These retailers will not have to offer in-store take back of WEEE but will direct consumers to the nearest Designated Collection Facility external link.

For further information please refer to part 5 of the UK Regulations external link and chapter 4 of the Government Guidance external link document.

On 18 May 2007, The Science and Innovation Minister, Malcolm Wicks, announced the appointment of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) as the enforcement body for distributor obligations.  Their role is to ensure that retailers and distributors of electrical equipment play their part in helping household users to dispose of WEEE at the end of its life.

Further information on the VCA's role and responsibilities can be found here external link.