UK firms not prepared for WEEE regulations

Respondents to a survey suggested that eBay might well be the 'best' way to get rid of obsolete IT kit

Repeated delays in the UK government's implementation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations have been welcomed by UK organisations, a poll claimed today.

The new directive, which was due to come into force this year and may now be delayed to 2008, aims to ensure that used computer equipment and other electronic devices are recycled or disposed of in line with EU guidelines.

However, only one in five of the 330 companies that responded to the survey commissioned by HDI and Hornbill Systems had considered the implications of WEEE, demonstrating low levels of understanding about the regulations and therefore low levels of current compliance.

One organisation that has taken steps to address the regulations is Henley Management College.

"We have applied for and received a Hazardous Waste Registration Number to deal with our disposals in line with the directives, said Phil O'Neill, director of operations at the business school.

"And if a device is in working order it is donated to a local charity or school."

However, Henley Management College is among the minority. Another respondent to the survey suggested that eBay might well be the 'best' way to get rid of obsolete IT equipment - in the name of recycling, of course.