The European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive was first ratified by European ministers in 2003, and was eventually meant to pass into UK law in August 2006 although, delays by the Department for Trade and Industry held it back.
As of 1 July 2010, the new Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations are intended to ensure that major producers, rebranders and importers of household electrical and electronic equipment are signed up to pay for the responsible disposal and recycling of their goods. The WEEE legislation finally came into effect 2 January, although those affected have had until July to ensure they’re fully compliant.
If you have an interest in the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, the Government Guidance Notes on the WEEE Regulations are well worth a read:
Click here to read the WEEE regulations: Government guidance notes (PDF)
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/tna/+/http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file38209.pdf
Code of Practice for collection of WEEE from Designated Collection Facilities
http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file37922.pdf
For a cautionary tale, see the fine handed out to Plymouth City Council for WEEE breach