Some types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are exempt from the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. They include the following equipment:
- Equipment that does not use electricity through battery or mains supply to fulfil its main function.
- Equipment that is part of another type of equipment that is not covered by the WEEE Regulations. However, other waste regulations may apply to them, for example the End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations cover the electrical components of vehicles.
- Equipment designed to protect the UK’s national security.
- Filament light bulbs.
- Household light fittings of any kind.
- Large industrial tools, permanently fixed in industrial machinery or an industrial location.
- High-voltage equipment that is designed for use with a voltage rating exceeding 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC.
- Contaminated medical implants and medical equipment.
- Spare parts that are used to repair EEE.
Consumables for EEE, such as printer cartridges, are also exempt. However the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Regulations may still apply to them.
You should get advice from your environmental regulator if you think your products may fall under an exemption. Other legislation may still apply.
You must register with your environmental regulator before you carry out certain activities. These include repairing, refurbishing and storing EEE.
Exemptions from environmental permitting and waste management licensing
Businesses that repair and refurbish EEE
If your business repairs or refurbishes WEEE to be resold and reused you will usually be able to apply for a registered exemption from environmental permitting (England and Wales) or waste management licensing (Northern Ireland and Scotland). It will be subject to certain restrictions and your environmental regulator will need to inspect your business premises and will charge you a fee to cover this cost. You will need to renew your registration every year, which will include a reduced renewal fee.
England and Wales
Businesses that store WEEE
An exemption is available for the storage of WEEE. If you register an exemption with your environmental regulator and comply with its conditions, you are allowed to store up to 80 cubic metres of each of several types of WEEE for up to three months before it is taken for recovery . However you must:
- store WEEE securely so that it does not get damaged, preventing reuse or treatment
- use a storage site with an appropriate weatherproof waterproof covering and impermeable surfaces, with a bund where appropriate, to stop hazardous substances from escaping.
You do not need to register an exemption if you are:
- a retailer taking part in an in-store take-back scheme for household WEEE
- a business storing your own WEEE.
England and Wales
