Defra's latest release on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection in the UK for the initial three quarters of 2023 demonstrates steady progress toward achieving 2023's collection objectives.
In the third quarter (July-September) of 2023 the UK collected 120,999 tonnes which was similar to the 119,000 and 118,000 collected in the previous two quarters.
This means the UK has so far collected 359,289 tonnes of WEEE in the year to September, against an overall target of 472,070, which is just over 76% of the target.
This places the UK slightly ahead in its WEEE collection goals compared to the same period in 2022 when the country had reached only 69% of its target, attributed then to the cost-of-living crisis.
Several categories have surpassed the 75% mark of their targeted collection goals by the third quarter of 2023. Electrical and Electronic Tools, Toys Leisure and Sports, Lighting Equipment, and IT and Telcomms
Equipment have demonstrated strong performance, reaching 84%, 83%, 82%, and 80% respectively, of their designated targets.
Despite this overall progress, scrutiny reveals that specific categories are trailing behind in meeting 2023's set targets. Gas discharge lamps and LED light sources, automatic dispensers, and large household appliances notably exhibit lower collection rates, posing challenges to achieving the year-end goals.
The breakdown of individual category performances showcases variances. For instance, large household appliances have reached 37,225 tonnes against a target of 164,250 tonnes, marking 72% progress. Similarly, gas discharge lamps and LED light sources stand at 74% of their target.
If this continues into Q4, it will be the first time the UK has hit its WEEE targets since 2016.
