Guidance for the collection of sWEEE
Help for your business at each step of the journey.
Guidance for the guidance for the collection of sweee sector
Change sectorSince April 2024 all workplaces in Wales have been required to present specified materials separately for recycling.
As part of the phased implementation of the Workplace Recycling regulations, from April 2026, the requirement on workplaces to present specified wastes separately for recycling will extend to small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (sWEEE). Previously only unsold sWEEE was required to be separated.
Content overview
What is sWEEE?
sWEEE is any waste item with a plug, battery or cable that is less than 50 centimetres on its longest edge. This includes all your organisation’s unwanted small tech and electricals including for example, laptops, phones, kettles, toasters, medical devices, lamps and lighting and power tools.
Why is sWEEE now included in the Workplace Recycling Law?
To ensure that small waste electricals from workplaces are not disposed of with general waste and kept separate from other waste so that they can be recycled.
sWEEE and Hazardous Waste
Some types of sWEEE can be hazardous. This section will help you understand which sWEEE is hazardous and how to manage it.
How to prepare for the new requirement
Actions you can take to ensure your workplace is ready for the new requirement.
Managing your sWEEE - reuse, repair and recycle
Advice on considering if you could repair or reuse your electricals and how to safely recycle your sWEEE if not.
How to recycle sWEEE?
Where reuse or repair of an item isn't possible, the following section advices on how to safely recycle your items.
Resources for collection of sWEEE
Useful resources available to support the introduction of sWEEE collections at your workplace