View our latest resource on WEEE to stay up-to-date
Some detail in this article may be affected by updates to the WEEE takeback requirements scheme. For the most up to date information on the WEEE Takeback Requirements, please see our latest resource which is updated in line with any changes to the scheme.
RETAILERS LOOKING FOR an alternative to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, which oblige them to take back old equipment when a customer buys a new equivalent, can join the Distributor Take-back Scheme (DTS), operated by Valpak Retail WEEE Services (VRWS).
The DTS is the only scheme which allows members an alternative to offering take-back for all WEEE categories, except for photovoltaic solar (PV) panels, which have a separate scheme.
If retail businesses do accept WEEE products from household consumers, they become responsible for the storage and disposal of these products, not the household consumer.
To become a member of the DTS, retail businesses must pay a fee that goes towards supporting recycling centres run by local authorities. The fee ranges from £60 + VAT to more than £190 + VAT and depends on how much electrical and electronic equipment they sell.
With DTS retailers do not have to take back, store nor dispose of any waste electrical and electronic equipment. They will still need to provide information to consumers about WEEE recycling and keep a record of what information is given about where electrical and electronic waste should be taken.
The DTS runs in 3-year phases and we are in Phase 4, which started on 1 January 2017 and ends on 31 December 2019. The DTS membership fees cover this 3-year period. For more, click on the button below.
Join Retra & Bira today
Retra is the UK’s leading trade association for independent electrical retailers and servicing organisations together with parent company Bira, who have been supporting independent retail businesses for over 125 years.
With all the benefits that a Retra and Bira membership has to offer, now is the perfect time to become a member as an independent electrical retailer.
Latest Resources
-
Campaign Focus | Meeting with the Metropolitan Police
Bira was invited to meet with senior officers in the Met to discuss retail crime in the London boroughs, where police outlined ongoing plans to crack down on shop theft and dodgy shops.
-
Preventing a cyber attack and fraud as an independent business | A simple yet important checklist for retailers
Practical cyber security advice for independent retailers to protect their business, customers and data from cyber attacks and fraud.
-
The Employment Rights Act: Your handy one-page printout as an independent retail business
A one-sheet guide to key Employment Rights Act changes, practical actions for retailers and important dates employers need to know.
-
Martyn’s Law – what you need to know as an independent retailer (and actions to take)
Martyn’s Law will require some retailers to strengthen emergency procedures and staff preparedness ahead of 2027 implementation.