The Environment Agency has published the latest set of figures for WEEE collected in Q2 2017, allowing the UK to reflect on how the first half of the year stacks up to our annual target.
Essentially the Q2 figures paint a similar picture to Q1. With 133,171 tonnes collected in Q2 we are falling behind where we should be to hit the annual target, by over 21,000 tonnes. With the 2017 target set at 622,033 tonnes, we would prefer to see a figure closer to 155,000 tonnes in Q2.
In terms of how this quarter compares to the same time period last year, we are also falling behind as the graph below illustrates. Q2 2016 saw 150,993 tonnes collected overall, which in comparison to the Q2 2017 figures leaves us with a 12% drop. There has been an increase in the collections of two categories however – monitoring and control instruments and photovoltaic panels.
Potential impact of the Producer Balancing System
Although the highest drop this year is in WEEE collected through non-public facilities, a fall in collections from local authorities is also contributing to the lower figures in categories 1-10. We could see this shortfall made up throughout the rest of the year as the Producer Balancing System (PBS) helps ensure local authority collections are taking place. The PBS provides a way for local authorities to request a collection of WEEE from a group of schemes, one of whom will then have to fulfil the collection.
Robbie Staniforth, Commercial Manager at Ecosurety, says there is still hope for the numbers to rise as we wait to see the effect the PBS has on the market. “This year is intriguing due to it being the first full year of the PBS. This mechanism may distort the timing of figures being released and evidence being raised, but we will wait for Q3 figures before making any firm conclusions.”
We’ll continue to monitor the figures and ensure our members are kept up to date with any potential effects that could be felt in the market. If you would like to discuss your WEEE compliance with our team, please contact us on 0333 4330 370 or email info@ecosurety.com.
Abigail Warren
Head of Client Services
Abigail joined Ecosurety in 2015 and is now Client services manager, ensuring our team provide valuable support to our clients and look for additional value we can add beyond compliance. She graduated in 2014 with a BSc in Environmental Studies from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. Her degree is a reflection of her passion for environmental issues, which were evoked while growing up surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of New England.
Useful links
The recently published Q3 collection data indicates a steady progression toward the annual target, currently reaching 76%.
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