Back in December 2019, a decision was made to approve an extension and for DTS phase 5 to be implemented.
For many Distributors (those in bands A and B) phase 5 will end on 31 December 2020, which will mean that from 1 January 2021 those business will be expected to offer instore takeback of waste electrical and electronic equipment on a like for like basis.
If your business is in band A or B, will you be ready to start receiving take-back from customers in January? If you’re not sure where you currently sit within the system or need help in planning collection systems, please get in contact with us. We can arrange nationwide collections at store or distribution centre level. We are also holding a webinar on the future of the DTS and our WEEE collection service, you can sign up to the event here.
Risks of handling waste electronics in stores
Below, I have outlined some of the risks involved in handling WEEE in stores:
- Health and safety consideration with handling and storage. Your staff will likely be involved in the handling of waste goods, which comes with various health and safety concerns. Storing the material is another area of concern. Retail space is precious and having to take back waste goods means allocated storage space would be required
- Duty of Care considerations. When stores start to handle waste, they will have to meet requirements of Duty of Care Regulations. The business will need to know:
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- who is collecting the waste?
- where the waste is going
- if the waste management supplier has the correct paperwork in place
- if the waste is hazardous. If it is, consignment notes will be required
- permitting issues. Businesses will need to check if they are able to store the types and level of waste on site
Also, variations exist around waste handling and paperwork in devolved administrations, which businesses would need to keep on top of.
Start planning
In short, the changes to the DTS are going to be far reaching for retailers and they will need to start formulating plans to ensure they are in line with the changes coming into effect from 1 January 2021 onwards.
Valpak’s WEEE and Batteries Collection Schemes
Valpak’s Waste Management department can help your business to plan for imminent take-back requirements. We also offer a nationwide WEEE collection service and free batteries collection service, which can support your business once these changes take effect.
Our first-class service provides a portfolio of approved contractors, consolidated monthly reporting and a single point of contact that ensures all the legal aspects of customer collection requirements are met.
Contact us
If you would like help or guidance, please feel free to email me for a free consultation or call 01789 208 715.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this weblog represent those of the individual authors and not those of Valpak Limited or any other organisation.