Due to the introduction of the new Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2005, your electrical and electronic household equipment will be taken free of charge for recycling nationwide. From 13 August 2005, producers of WEEE (manufacturers, importers, assemblers, etc) will be responsible for the recycling of waste electronic goods.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) includes:

Fridges, freezers, dishwashers, cookers, washing machines, tumble dryers, microwaves, small electrical appliances, televisions, video recorders, IT and telecommunications equipment, electrical toys, sports equipment, lighting equipment, power tools, medical devices, phones, fluorescent tubes, etc.

Environmental Management Costs

Retailers are obliged to show you at the time of sale of new products, the producers’ costs of collecting, treating and disposing of WEEE in an environmentally sound way. These are known as Environmental Management Costs (EMC) and must be described as “Producer Recycling Fund” on receipts, signage and advertisements. However, the retail price quoted to consumers must be inclusive of the EMC.

A full list of EMCs are available from Wicklow County Council.

Please note that retailers and civic amenity/recycling centres are not obliged to accept goods that are contaminated. Please ensure that the items are cleaned out and no liquids are leaking from them.