What is the WEEE directive?

WEEE is the EU waste electrical and electronic equipment directive which came into effect on 1 July 2007.

What is the purpose of the WEEE directive?

The directive aims to minimise the impact of electrical and electronic equipment on the environment by increasing re-use and recycling and reducing the amount of WEEE going to landfill.

The WEEE directive ensures producers are responsible for financing the collection, treatment and recovery of waste electrical equipment. Distributors must allow consumers to return their waste equipment, free of charge or allow consumers to take the waste electrical equipment to a designated collection facility.

What items are affected?

The WEEE directive affects electrical household appliances. This means items operated by a mains supply or battery.

How do you dispose of a household electrical item?

All three household recycling centres in Waltham Forest are registered as designated collection facilities (DCFs) to accept and separate WEEE items. The Household Waste and Recycling Centres are at:

The five main categories of WEEE collected at Waltham Forest sites are:

Large items

  • Washing machines/tumble dryers
  • Cookers

White goods

  • Fridges/freezers/fridge freezers
  • Dishwashers

TVs and computer monitors

  • Computer monitors
  • TVs
  • Radios

Gas discharge lamps

  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Energy efficient bulbs

Small WEEE

  • Kettles
  • Toasters
  • Hair dryers
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Sewing machines
  • Electronic \ battery operated toys

Is there a cost to Waltham Forest?

There is no cost to Waltham Forest Council in offering this service, as the producers and distributors of electrical equipment are paying for the collection from our sites.

Can a household bulky item be collected?

Yes. To request a bulky collection call Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 or email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk

» Bulky collections

How can I get rid of an unwanted WEEE household item in good working order?

Contact your local voluntary sector or charity shop.