QA

Q. My business is undergoing refurbishment and we have a lot of old computers and other electrical items. How do I dispose of these safely?

A. Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a priority waste stream because of its growing volume and potentially hazardous nature after disposal. Currently businesses must comply with Duty of Care and Special Waste Regulations for WEEE.

For example cathode ray tube's found in computer monitors and TV's are classified as special waste. If a business disposes of one computer monitor in a non-special waste skip, this will result in the whole skip being categorised as special waste. Each movement of Special Waste has to be pre-notified to SEPA, and requires a consignment note.

The WEEE Directive (2003) aims to address the environmental impact of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and promotes separate collection when it becomes waste by introducing producer responsibilities.

Businesses will need to ensure all WEEE is displosed of responsibly. It is a good idea to start thinking about EEE used by your business and how it can be dealt with in the future.

A simple guide is to follow the waste hierarchy when considering options for EEE.

Reduce: If the items are simply broken, a specialist may be able to repair the item.

Reuse: A variety of projects and charities accept items that are in good working order. Your business could also investigate buying or selling second hand items.

Recycling: EEE that that cannot be repaired or reused is considered to be 'end of life'. These items can be broken down into component parts for recycling and safe disposal by recycling companies.

Q. I have different wastes some of which Perth & Kinross Council do not currently provide a recycling service for. How do I deal with these?

A. If your business produces waste items such as metal, timber, flat glass or other specialist materials there may be alternatives to disposal to landfill. Materials can be a resource not just a waste.

First, use TEN's Resource Recovery Directory to find out which local/ national companies are able to deal with the waste you produce. Secondly, consider joining the Scottish Industrial Symbiosis Programme (SISP). SISP is a business-led initiative, which facilitates links between industries from different sectors to create sustainable commercial opportunities and improve resource efficiency. The benefits of joining include reduced costs, new product development and improved environmental performance.

For more information go to: www.nispregion.org.uk/scotland
Alternatively, if your business produces small amounts of waste consider donating to local arts and crafts groups, such as Wisecraft in Blairgowrie, which can take small donations from businesses for use in their projects. For more information on Wisecraft call 01250 874777.

If you need further assistance call the Environment Services Helpline 01738 476476 and ask for the assistance of the Commercial Waste Minimisation Officer.