Storage, collection and/or drop off of your sWEEE

Storage

Many workplaces are likely to produce low quantities of sWEEE. If this is the case for your workplace, a permanent sWEEE bin for collection may not be necessary. Just keep the item/s separate and out of your general waste bins or other recycling bins until you are ready to recycle it.

Depending on the quantity of sWEEE produced, your waste company may provide a specific container to place items in for collection. If you do require a specific container for the collection of small waste electricals, ensure all staff are aware of it and what to use it for. This can be located in your secure waste storage area and must be protected from the weather. Collection can then be arranged once enough sWEEE has been produced on an ad-hoc basis or you could arrange a regular collection if you produce sWEEE more regularly. You must not mechanically compact or compress any sWEEE during storage and transport. This is to minimise the dispersion of pollutants and the risk of fires caused by damage to batteries.

The amount to be collected and frequency of collection should be discussed and agreed with your waste collector.

Collection

Workplaces do not need to have one contract with the same waste collector for all materials produced. You can have more than one contract in place for your different waste needs. You may need to find a new contractor for the collection of any sWEEE that you produce and dispose of.

It is your responsibility as the producer of the waste to ensure the sWEEE is collected separately for recycling by an appropriately licensed company.

It is important to note that you cannot leave sWEEE for collection alongside your other separately collected recyclables unless you have specifically agreed this with your waste collector. Not all waste management companies collect and recycle sWEEE.

Drop off

If you have infrequent sWEEE disposal needs, it may be possible to take your item to a local in-store take back scheme or arrange to take any items to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) or a permitted, privately-owned drop-off or take-back location that will accept your workplace sWEEE.

Before you take your sWEEE to a HWRC, please check with your Local Authority that they are able to accept commercial/trade waste from workplaces at their HWRCs.

Workplaces can make use of in-store WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) take-back schemes if the item is classified as "dual use", meaning it is suitable for both household and non-domestic use (e.g. a kettle, hairdryer, toaster, printer used in both domestic and non-domestic settings). Retailers must accept sWEEE on a one-for-one basis when a customer purchases a new item that serves the same function. This applies regardless of brand or where the old item was purchased. If the dual-use item is very small (less than 25cm on the longest side) then dual use items can just be dropped off without a purchase.

Before you transport your workplaces sWEEE to any drop off point you will need to register with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as a waste carrier – this is straightforward and free to do. See: Natural Resources Wales / Register or renew as a waste carrier, broker or dealer.