WEEE regulations

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is regulated by the UK government to reduce the amount of unwanted electricals that are incinerated or sent to landfill sites.

Black line graphic of a wheelie bin, side view, with a big cross through it.

What are WEEE regulations?

The government sets annual targets for the recycling of all waste electricals – to ensure UK companies are WEEE compliant. If electrical appliance producers don’t meet those targets then they pay a compliance fee to contribute financially towards a fund – the WEEE Fund.

Ultimately, the aim of the WEEE Fund is to support actions that will help the UK increase recycling and reuse of old and unwanted electricals.

The crossed-out wheelie bin is the WEEE symbol.

All electricals come under WEEE regulations

All electricals must be recycled under the WEEE Regulations – anything with a plug, battery or cable. WEEE waste includes:

  • Large household appliances like white goods.
  • Small household appliances like kettles, electric toothbrushes.
  • Telecoms, IT and smart devices like phones, smart watches.
  • Audio and audiovisual equipment like TVs, remotes.
  • Lighting equipment.
  • Electrical and electronic power tools like drills, garden tools.
  • Toys, leisure and sports equipment including gaming consoles.
  • Medical devices.
  • Monitoring and control instruments like smoke detectors.
  • Automatic dispensers like cash and drinks machines.
collection of various kitchen appliances on a table top in a brightly lit room