Next steps for WEEE reform following consultation

Government announces next steps

The UK government, alongside the devolved administrations, has published its response to a consultation on reforming the producer responsibility system for waste electricals and electronic equipment (WEEE).

In its response, the government confirmed it will implement two significant changes to the WEEE regulations in 2025. Firstly, a dedicated category for vapes and vape-related products will be created within the WEEE regulations. This change will ensure that vape producers bear the specific costs associated with collecting and treating these products when they become waste. The new reporting requirements will be introduced in 2025, with collection targets set by the Secretary of State for Defra (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) from 2026 onwards.

Secondly, online marketplaces will face new obligations regarding WEEE in relation to their overseas sellers. They will be required to join an approved WEEE compliance scheme, pay registration fees to relevant regulators, report data on equipment placed on the UK market by overseas sellers and contribute to collection and treatment costs. These changes aim to create a more level playing field between different retail channels and aim to ensure that online marketplaces take responsibility for WEEE arising from their platforms.

The consultation ran from 28th December 2023 to 7th March 2024 and received 320 responses from across the sector, with local government, electronic producers and individuals making up most of the respondents.

Strong support for reform

The consultation revealed strong support for many of the proposed changes. An overwhelming 87% of respondents supported obligating online marketplaces, while 91% agreed with creating a new category for vapes. The consultation showed 76% of respondents supported requiring retailers to offer free collection of old appliances when delivering new ones to customers' homes. Additionally, 89% agreed that retailers should inform customers about recycling options when they purchase electrical items, helping consumers understand how to properly dispose of the products at the end of their lives.

Household collections under review

While the government still needs to confirm its position on producer-funded household collections, the consultation showed significant support for such initiatives. Nearly two-thirds of respondents supported producer-funded collections of small WEEE, while 68% backed producer funding for large WEEE collections. Most respondents also supported partnerships between a scheme administrator and local authorities for service delivery, though many producers called for trials to test the feasibility and effectiveness of household collection services before full implementation.

Circular economy focus

The government has indicated it will continue to consider other proposals from the consultation, with further responses expected in 2025. These include potential enhancement of retailer obligations, the establishment of a scheme administrator and various measures to increase WEEE collection rates and to promote reuse and recycling.

The response illustrates the government's commitment to driving a circular economy across all four UK nations. This aligns with existing strategies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England is set to publish its own Circular Economy Strategy in 2025.

The consultation revealed essential insights about the potential establishment of a scheme administrator, with 51% of respondents supporting a producer-led approach. Respondents emphasised that any such body would need clear accountability to government and defined performance indicators. The proposed administrator could take on several crucial functions, including managing the producer balancing system, administering distributor takeback schemes and developing compliance fee methodologies. Notably, more than 90% of respondents supported the administrator having a role in assessing environmental performance against key metrics, with particular emphasis on tracking the quantity of WEEE diverted for reuse (91% support) and monitoring WEEE levels in residual waste (87% support).

The future of WEEE management

These reforms represent significant steps towards modernising the UK's WEEE management system. The changes aim to address unfairness in the current system, increase producer responsibility, improve collection rates, ensure proper treatment of challenging waste streams like vapes and create a more level playing field for all market participants.

For producers and compliance schemes, these changes will require careful preparation. The introduction of new reporting categories and online marketplace obligations will particularly impact data management and compliance processes.

We expect further details on implementation and guidance to be published throughout 2025. ERP UK will continue to monitor developments and support our members in preparing for these important changes to the WEEE system.

Related services

WEEE Compliance: Our WEEE compliance scheme simplifies environmental compliance for companies making or importing electrical and electronic equipment. Our solution takes care of all your legal obligations from registration and reporting to collection and recycling.

Visit our WEEE Compliance webpage for further details

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