2015 Quarter Two WEEE figures stripped bare

However, suggestions are that some producers might not be accurately reporting their waste as B2C (business to consumer), following the move to dual use reporting. In summary, dual use reporting is if your product’s design, specification and function is for both household and non-household use, it is classified as B2C.

WEEE collections on track

The figures show a combined total of 254,260 tonnes of WEEE collected in Q1 and Q2 of 2015. The overall collection target set by BIS for 2015 is 506,878 tonnes, suggesting the UK is increasingly likely to hit its target this year.

Commenting on the figures, Damian Lambkin, head of projects at ecosurety says, “These are healthy figures so far this year, and suggest  the UK collections target across all categories is set to be met. This is an encouraging sign, particularly given the number of changes to the regulations, systems and producer responsibilities during  the last six to nine months."

"It will be interesting to see whether there will be an increased obligation for members, taking into account dual use reporting in comparison with dual use collection figures."

Recycling schemes will be relieved by the news, since  the latest figures indicate there will be no anticipated collections shortfall in any of the 14 categories. As a result, schemes will not need to comply via the compliance fee, provided they source enough evidence throughout the year to satisfy their members’  obligation.

Dual use reporting impact

One thing the figures do highlight is that dual use reporting interpretations by BIS (The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills) and the EA have not had a dramatic effect on the numbers of WEEE tonnages collected. This could be down to producers reporting incorrectly, or AATFs (Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities) reporting these items as B2C evidence.

James Champ, WEEE product manager at ecosurety explains, “Although the Q2 figures look promising when it comes to the  UK meeting targets, following the move to dual use reporting, category 13, EEE figures suggest that not all producers within this category are reporting correctly as B2C.”

“Already this year,  producers are required to finance higher category 13 targets. While we expected dual use to dilute existing category 13 producers’ market share into 2016, the current UK EEE figures do not reflect this.”

We will be working extensively with our members over the coming months to ensure that everyone is reporting correctly under the new guidelines. If you would like to discuss your WEEE reporting please get in touch with one of our WEEE specialists on 0845 094 2228.

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