WEEE and the Consumer
Consumers/Householders can bring back end of life electronic equipment free of charge to a retailer or a civic amenity site. When buying a new product the consumer will pay an environment management fee and this fee will pay towards the recycling of end of life electronic and electrical equipment.
Householders FAQs
As a householder, who can take back my WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and at what charge?
Consumers have two options when disposing of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment):
- If purchasing a new product the retailer provide for free in-store take back of household WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) on a one for one basis on the sale of a new like product e.g. they are not obliged to accept a microwave if the customer has purchased a toaster.
- Taken back free of charge at a Local Authority Civic Amenity site.
Where and what type of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) can I take in Limerick City, Limerick County, Clare County and Kerry County.
| Local Authority | Facility Location | Telephone No. | Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limerick Co. Co. | Newcastle west | 069 78 61 0 | Yes |
| Kilmallock | 063 98 83 6 | Yes | |
| Limerick City Co. | Hegarty Metals | 061 41 81 53 | Yes |
| Park Road Depot | 061 40 71 90 | Yes | |
| Clare Co. Co. | Ballyduff Beg Recycling Centre | 065 68 36 96 0 | Yes |
| Ennis recycling Centre | 065 68 93 70 5 | Yes | |
| Kerry Co. Co. | North Kerry Landfill | 066 71 29 19 5 | Yes |
| Coolcaslagh Transfer Station (Killarney) | 064 33 52 2 | Yes | |
| Miltown Transfer Station | 066 97 67 38 5 | Yes | |
| Caherciveen Transfer Station | 066 94 72 64 0 | Yes | |
| Kenmare Transfer Station | 087 68 63 10 6 | Yes |
What notice, if any do I have to give before dropping off WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) at a Civic Amenity Site?
Householders must only dispose of WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) during the opening hours of the Civic Amenity site.
What can I do if the shop refuses to take back my WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)?
If you are bringing back WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) that is a similar type or fulfilling the same function of the new item that is being purchased the retailer must take back the WEEE. If the shop refuses to do this or charges you, contact your Local Authority.
Can retailers charge for taking back WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) on delivery of a new product?
No. One for one take-back is free regardless of whether this happens at the retailer’s premises or on the delivery of a new product. However the retailers right to charge for the delivery of the new item of electrical and electronic equipment is not affected.
If the retailer is delivering EEE (Electrical and electronic equipment) how must the WEEE be presented for collection?
The retailer has to give at least 24 hours notice of delivery the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) must be available for immediate collection and disconnected from any electrical, gas or water supply. If the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) is not available for immediate return the retailer must arrange and collect the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) within 15 days of the date of delivery. The purchaser can deliver the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) to the retailer’s premises within 30 days of the date of delivery.
Are shops that only sell specific types of EEE(Electrical and electronic equipment) e.g. Hairdressers obligated to take back my WEEE?
Yes, the legislation applies to all retailers, irrespective of size selling Electrical or electronic equipment. All retailers must take back WEEE on a one for one basis.
What If I purchase EEE(Electrical and electronic equipment) by means of distance communications e.g. Internet, mail orders etc?
The retailer has to give at least 24 hours notice of delivery and the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) must be available for immediate collection and disconnected from any electrical, gas or water supply. If the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) is not available for immediate return the retailer must arrange and collect the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) within 15 days of the date of delivery. The purchaser can deliver the WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) to any or every place of business in the State from which the EEE (Electrical and electronic equipment)is distributed and/or an address in the State that is occupied by an employee or agent, within 30 days of the date of delivery.