Increase in WEEE is staggering

In the UK we produce over one million tonnes of Electrical Waste (WEEE) every year and it’s growing rapidly. Maybe this growth cements the fact we live in a disposable society with computer hardware, domestic appliances and gadgets being outdated so quickly. WEEE is now growing three times the rate of general municipal waste and we predict this figure will increase further as mixed or segregated waste is diverted from landfill.

The production of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is one of the fastest growing global manufacturing activities. This development has resulted in an increase of waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE). Rapid economic growth, coupled with urbanization and growing demand for consumer goods, has increased both the consumption of EEE and the production of WEEE, which can be a source of hazardous wastes that pose a risk to the environment and to sustainable economic growth.

Without question, the requirement for well run & licenced WEEE facilities will increase across the world. Will some of the emerging nations decide to take action on WEEE now ? Our question will surely be answered in time however in the meantime, we can do our ‘little bit’.

Many thanks to http://wmr.sagepub.com/content/25/4/307.abstract and http://www.sepa.org.uk/waste/waste_regulation/producer_responsibility/weee.aspx for points of reference.