Sites offering facilities for separately collecting WEEE may register with the National Clearing House (NCH) as “designated” collection facilities for the purposes of securing free collection by producers of separately collected WEEE.
These sites may be, for example:
- local authority civic amenity sites or transfer stations;
- retailer returns / bulking points associated with collection on delivery;
or
- collection / bulking points associated with a retailer compliance scheme.
The WEEE Directive‘s Annex III includes some technical requirements covering sites used for the storage of WEEE prior to treatment. These requirements are for impermeable surfaces (with provision for spillage collection facilities and, where appropriate, decanters and cleanser degreasers) and weather-proofing for appropriate areas. Sites will be expected to meet these standards. The Regulations provide for designated collection facilities to meet these standards, as well as to have appropriate containers and suitable signage to guide users.
Retailers and Distributors:
Retailers and distributors providing instore take-back need to ensure:
- The WEEE collected is delivered to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) to enable the WEEE to be sent for treatment and recovery
- There will be possible requirements to register for a storage license, or an exemption license, with the Environmental Agency, for the areas where the WEEE is kept.
- There may also be a requirement for those who transport WEEE to hold a waste carriers license and for the drivers to have special training in the transportation of hazardous waste.