WEEE and the Supplier/Retailer

The WEEE Directive defines a “distributor” as a person that supplies electrical and electronic equipment to the person who is going to use it. From 13 August 2005, each retailer must:

•  Be registered with their local authority
•  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.
•  Ensure that any WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) collected is delivered to an approved collection facility.
•  Ensure that the storage and transport of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) collected as above meets the requirements of the Regulations. A waste permit must be in place for the storage of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). However there are some exemptions in place.
•  Ensure that private householders are informed of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) take back facilities available on them and that they are encouraged to participate in the separate collection of WEEE. 

Retailers FAQs

As a retailer how can I register with a Local Authority?

Registration entails completing a form undertaking to comply with General Binding Rules on the environmentally sound management of WEEE and to forward this and a nominal fee (€20) to their local authority. Forms are available from your Local Authority. Initial registration will cover 16 months, with registration taking place annually from 1st January thereafter. Retailers must register each shop with the Local Authority where the premises are located.

• Retailer WEEE Registration Form (55kb pdf format)
• WEEE and the Retailer - Your Role (195kb pdf format)

Will my shop become a mini civic amenity site?

No, retailers can only take back WEEE on a one-for one basis. Retailers will be able to transfer this WEEE free of charge to a Civic amenity site, or designated collection point, or subject to the agreement of appropriate local authorities make alternative arrangements to in-store take back provided that the arrangements are not more inconvenient for the purchaser and remain free of charge. 

How must WEEE be stored at my premises?

WEEE taken back at retailers’ premises needs to be stored and handled properly. All sites for the storage of WEEE must have impermeable surfaces. If the WEEE is to be stored in an outdoor area, this must have weatherproof covering. Spillage collection facilities must also be provided.

Do I need a Waste Permit to Store WEEE at my premises?

No. Registered retailers who store WEEE that has been taken back free of charge at their premises do not require a Waste Permit, provided that the quantities in storage at any one time do not exceed the following: 

• 90 cubic metres (i.e. the capacity of a 45 foot high-cube container) of household WEEE other than WEEE listed in category 5 of the First Schedule(e.g. lighting equipment) and mobile phones or,
• 2,000 units WEEE listed in category 5 of the First Schedule (e.g. lighting equipment), and/or
• 50 kgs of mobile phones. 

This exemption will not apply where the WEEE is contaminated, and therefore a health and safety risk, or where storage does not meet the requirements noted above.

Do I need a Waste Collection Permit to transport WEEE?

No. Retailers who are registered with their local authority and who have accepted WEEE back on a one-for-one basis are exempted from requiring a Waste Collection Permit when transporting that WEEE to an approved collection or recovery facility, provided that the vehicle used for its transport is registered in the State.

Do I need a Waste Collection Permit if I want to collect WEEE to repair and sell on?

No, you do not need a Waste Collection Permit since you are diverting the WEEE for recovery. However you will need to register as retailer of WEEE when you are selling on the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and must fulfill all retailer obligations including one for one take back.

If my customer is a business, am I obliged to take back their WEEE on a one for one basis?

Yes, once the WEEE is an item that you would usually find in a home and in the same amounts that you would generally find in a private home. Commercial businesses cannot dispose of WEEE free of charge at the Civic Amenity sites.

If my shop is located in one local authority can I dispose of the WEEE at another Local Authority’s Civic Amenity Site?

Yes, once you are registered with the local authority where your premises is located and you make the appropriate arrangements with the Civic Amenity site in question to accept the WEEE.

Can I, as a retailer provide a Designated collection point for WEEE?

If you wish to provide a designated collection point for WEEE contact your Local Authority where the premises is located and also contact the collective compliance scheme i.e. European Recycling Platform.