The WEEE Regulations require retailers and distributors offering take-back services to ensure that private householders are informed of the WEEE take-back facilities available to them.
Householders should be encouraged to participate in the separate collection of WEEE. This information may cover retailers’ own collection services or facilities and any other systems available for take-back of WEEE. Households should be informed of the meaning of the crossed out wheeled bin symbol on products covered by the Directive (i.e. that WEEE should not be co-disposed with other waste).
It may be appropriate for retailers to liaise with local authorities, charities, the waste management industry and others in discharging this obligation to make information available.
It will be for the parties concerned, either retailers complying individually or a compliance scheme, to determine the best ways to communicate this information to householders. The options for this may include:
- Posters and/or leaflets in stores/point of sale
- Notices at civic amenity and other collection sites
- Information on websites
- Advertisements on delivery vehicles or refuse collection vehicles
- Advertisements in the local media
- Collaborative information exercises with local authorities