Its Right To Repair
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Legislation

There are two major environmental issues that are raised by the increasing use of electrical goods – the use of energy to produce them and operate them and also their end of life disposal. Hence the introduction of European legislation to help combat the waste problem and encourage manufacturers to design and produce longer-lasting, more energy efficient appliances. The most prominent and relevant directive for dealing with the disposal of household appliances is the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) which looks at the reduction of waste through various measures which encourage the recovery, reuse and recycling of products and components. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (as amended) is the underpinning UK legislation currently in action.

Governments are required to ensure systems are in place to collect discarded items. Producers must assume financial responsibility for the cost of recycling or disposal of their goods and for meeting targets on recovery, re-use and recycling including historical waste. Most retailers now offer collection of old appliances when replacing them with new ones. Choose a retailer who offers this service.

The products that will be affected by the WEEE directive are:

  • Large household appliances
  • Small household appliances (incl. clocks and scales etc)
  • IT and telecommunication equipment
  • Brown goods - tv/hi-fi/video recorders etc
  • Lighting equipment
  • Electrical and electronic tools , e.g. drills/ lawnmowers/sewing machines
  • Toys and leisure games, e.g. train sets/ video games
  • Medical equipment systems
  • Monitoring and control equipment, e.g. thermostats, control panels
  • Automatic dispensers, e.g. drinks machines

Be sure to dispose of any of the above appliances responsibly and conscientiously, we all have a duty to minimise our waste impact on the environment. To find out where your nearest recycling centre is click here .


How Can I Dispose of a WEEE Product?

If you are buying new electrical appliances, retailers are obliged by law to either:

  • Take your old appliances off you for free in store.
  • Tell you where you can take your old item for recycling free of charge.

Many retailers offer collection of old appliances from your home, although they are not obliged to do this.



EU Energy Labels

The EU has made it easy to identify how much energy an appliance uses thanks to its Energy Label. With technology becoming more advanced, the EU has decided to improve the current label to give you a better understanding of what energy saving features an appliance has. We’ve set out a quick guide of the different parts to the label so you’ll know what to look for.

What Does The Label Show?
There are various labels for differing appliances and here are the main ones that you may see when purchasing a new appliance.

Washing Machines
  • Energy Consumption
  • Water Consumption
  • Rated Capacity
  • Spin Drying Efficiency
  • Decibels for Washing
  • Decibels for Spinning
Fridge Freezers
  • Energy Consumption
  • Storage Volume
  • Frozen Storage Volume
  • Noise Level
Dishwashers
  • Energy Consumption
  • Water Consumption
  • Drying Efficiency
  • Capacity
  • Noise Level