FSB calls on DTI to start WEEE campaign
14/12/2006 13:05

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the government to make firms aware of their duty to responsibly dispose of old office equipment.

New waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations from the EU have shifted some of the responsibility for collection and disposal onto businesses, but the FSB has said that many companies are still not aware of their responsibilities.

While manufacturers and distributors will have the responsibility of collecting all household electrical waste, firms will need to take care of their own outdated office equipment without breaking the new WEEE laws and landing themselves in trouble.

John Holbrow, FSB environment chairman, said: "We believe that it is now imperative that the Department of Trade and Industry begins a planned and sustained communication and awareness-raising programme aimed at small businesses.

"WEEE will present significant financial, operational and administrative challenges for all businesses affected by the regulations. These are likely to be proportionately more burdensome for small businesses."

Under the new laws, companies will be held accountable for the disposal of all office equipment bought prior to August 13th 2005, unless they are being replaced by a like-for-like product which sees the liability revert to the manufacturer.

However, with many outdated printers, faxes and other office products still in use around the UK, it is likely that many companies will be faced with a stockpile of old office equipment that needs to be safely disposed of before it can be replaced.

At Paperstone, we offer a wide range of office equipment that you can use to modernise your workplace.