Since the 1st January 2021, large electronic retailers have been obligated to accept waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in-store at no cost to the consumer, following the cessation of the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS).
For the public, having access to retail stores all across the country is a great improvement in the convenience of WEEE recycling, especially for smaller household items that may well have ended up in general waste.
Clarity has been working with its producers in the lead up to this change, and we have been delighted with the response to our bespoke collection and recycling service. We have been able to offer tailor made takeback services to suit both the individual producer and their customers. The feedback from retailers so far has been overwhelmingly in favour of the recycling provision, and we are looking forward to sharing insights into any behavioural change over the coming months.
As a reminder of the changes for retailers, takeback must be offered on a one-to-one basis where a product can be returned when another is bought. A receipt will be considered proof of sale, and as long as an old item is returned within 28 days of a receipt being issued it will be accepted. Small items of WEEE will have to be accepted, irrespective of purchase, if the retailer has more than 400m2 of retail space.
